Do It Yourself: Here’s How You Can Treat Flower Waste And Turn It Into Everyday Use Items

Every year, around 8 lakhs tonnes of flower waste is being dumped in the Indian rivers adding to all the other factors choking them to death. Be it the Yamuna, Ganga or any other local rivers or water bodies – one thing which is common in all of them is the immense amount of pollution which is caused by the flowers. Flowers mainly used for worshiping is discarding in the least eco-friendly manner.

Mostly flower waste is thrown directly into our water bodies, the harmful pesticides and insecticides used to grow the flowers remain as residue on the flower and as a result when thrown into the water body it get mixes with water thereby polluting the water body and hampering the fragile ecosystem.

While there are the number of organisations who are now working towards recycling and reusing flower waste, but flower pollution continues to rise. And that’s simply because we as consumers of flowers are not treating the waste effectively. Here are 5 ways on how you can start treating flower waste at home.

Also Read:  Cleaning the Ganga: These Two Youngsters Focus On Flower Waste Treatment In Kanpur To Cleanup The Mighty River Of India

1. Don’t Throw Those Rotten Flowers Instead Create Potpourri

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Potpourri is basically dried scented flowers which you often have seen in the market. You can create this mixture at home:

First, dry the flowers which you were about to throw in the dustbin or the water until turned crispy and then simply mix it with your favourite spices. From cinnamon to cloves, nutmeg, dried citrus peel and vanilla beans, you can mix any of these. In the last step, add a few drops of essential oil from an aromatherapy range, or just add your favourite perfume. Seal the mixture in a jar or a bowl and let it mature for 10 days. Voila! Your homemade Potpourri is made.

2. Your Rotten Flowers Can Be Converted Into Homemade Natural Soap

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As simple as it can get, rotten flower petals can be put together and used as the natural homemade shower soap. Just get the equipments and necessary ingredient for soap making like 100% sodium hydroxide, or lye in crystal form and simply mix it with your favourite colours, flowers, oils and herbs. Your DIY soap will be ready in no time!

3. Redecor Your Home Walls With Floral Art

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Pressed flowers create a beautiful home décor piece. Just arranged the flowers in a beautiful pattern and you will be ready to redefine your home space. All you will need is a sheet of colourful paper or white paper along with a cardboard and a design to create this masterpiece. Make sure you dry the art piece completely, once done you can frame it up!

4. Use Flower Waste To Mop Your Floor

Next time you mop your floor when you have rotten flowers at home, try using this idea. Instead of throwing the flower waste use it to create a fragrant household cleaner. Take 1/4th cup of flowers and mix it with a cup of baking soda and tablespoon of salt. Your surface cleaner will be ready!

5. DIY Flower Candles

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It is time to take to candle making and use it for the purpose of reducing waste from the planet. In case you are not someone who wants to go the whole hog to make candles, simply dry the discarded flowers and just paste it on regular white candles. You will be happy with the outcome!

Also Read: Change Begins At Home: 5 Simple Ways To Reduce Waste