anchors away

Go Green
Not only is floral foam is a by-product of petroleum—a resource we’re trying to depend on less as oil reserves dwindle—it also off-gasses formaldehyde, a known carcinogen found in everything from embalming fluid to nail polish. Worse, the toxic sponges can’t be recycled, so the workers who make and package them are endlessly exposed to deadly chemicals for a one-time use and your florist has to purchase a new product for each arrangement—a cost she’ll pass on to you. Skip the foam and use sand, or found objects like stones, shells or nuts, to anchor flowers—or arrange blooms in tight, classic clusters. Better yet, opt for potted greenery that can be planted after your wedding day. Houseplants like Boston ferns filter impurities from the air (including formaldehyde, interestingly) and add vibrant green splashes of color.

Save Green
Floral foam costs around $1.50 to $2 per block, whereas natural and found objects are, you guessed it, free. Arrangements sans petroleum? Expect to save more than $100.