Project Vision
Commemorate with nature, not plastic
The ANZAC Wreath Project is a volunteer initiative led by florists across Australia and New Zealand to make all ANZAC commemorative wreaths compostable and made with Australian or New Zealand grown flowers.
Get involved
Why do we lay wreaths?
Wreath laying has long been part of commemoration. Ancient Romans used laurel wreaths to symbolise bravery, strength and triumph, a tradition with meaning tracing back to Greek mythology. In Victorian times, flower wreaths were laid on graves across the British Empire, their circle representing life and resurrection.
What’s beneath the flowers
A problem hidden in plain sight
Wreath laying has always been an important part of commemoration. It is common for ANZAC wreaths to be made on floral foam or styrofoam bases (see photos below), which are single-use plastics.
When these bases are used, the whole wreath must be disposed of in landfill, flowers included, because floral foam coats the stems.
Floral foam is an industry-specific material that gets hidden by the flowers, so unless you’re a florist, it's unlikely you'd know about this.
Floral foam is not the only problem. Artificially dyed flowers and plastic 'Lest We Forget' ribbons are commonly used which also need to be disposed of in landfill. Some wreaths also use internationally imported flowers, which can mean large carbon emissions.
A big problem, and a bigger opportunity
Solving the problem together
On ANZAC Day 2026, one Sydney dawn service saw 30 wreaths laid (pictured left). All but one were made on single-use plastic bases, bound for landfill.
Across Australia and New Zealand, dawn and civic services are held in almost every major town and city, and in many rural communities. With more than 1,000 services taking place, and wreath laying part of so many of them, the scale of the problem is vast. So is the opportunity for change.
The good news is that solutions already exist
Florists and flower growers are already doing it
AUSTRALIA
Find a florist
Contact The Freo Florist
Perth, Fremantle
Short heading
Some short text about some feature on your site
Short heading
Some short text about some feature on your site
NEW ZEALAND
Find a florist
Contact Purple Dahlia Design
Short heading
Some short text about some feature on your site
Short heading
Some short text about some feature on your site
Short heading
Some short text about some feature on your site
Organisations leading the change
Bringing the Project’s Vision to life, one wreath at a time.
FAQs
Ordering a wreath is a chance to work with your local florist. If they aren’t part of the Project yet, you could encourage them to explore more sustainable ways of working. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Can the design avoid floral foam, polystyrene and other single-use plastics?
- Can the wreath use local, in-season flowers and foliage in their natural colours?
- Can you leave out the plastic “Lest We Forget” ribbon?
Have a specific need, such as a name card? Ask your florist about options. They may be able to source a paper or other compostable alternative.
For more consumer resources on sustainable floristry, visit the Sustainable Floristry Network.
- 'Floral foam is a single-use plastic packaging item which is still widely used in the floristry industry due to its convenience storing water, holding flower stems and availability.'
- 'A recent independent study by RMIT University in Australia showed that floral foam is a problem for aquatic animals. The study showed that toxic compounds can leach out of the floral foam and into the surrounding water.'
- 'Floral foam enters the natural environment when water containing foam is poured down a drain, the foam is discarded into a garden or soil, mixed with green waste or buried on top of a coffin.'
Learn more about floral foam facts from the Sustainable Floristry Network here.
Grown by the community
Many people have generously given their time, insights and expertise, both before the Project officially launched and as it continues to grow. This Project exists because of you.
Thank you to Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP and her team, Rita Feldmann (Sustainable Floristry Network), Gavin Heaton (Disruptors Co), Karen Eck (eckfactor), Kristy Strong (Coogee Legion Club), Kirsten Junor (Reverse Garbage), Kylie Flament (SECNA), Justin Waller, Luke Kelly (ADF), Councillor Carolyn Martin, Rachael Dossetor and my entire family.
Commemorate with nature
ANZAC Day 2027
0
0
0
Days
0
0
Hours
0
0
Minutes
0
0
Seconds