A petition signed by 50 environmental activists and organizations of the Republic of Moldova, calling for a ban on the production, import and sale of artificial funeral wreaths, as well as the materials used to make them, was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, IPN reports.

Initiated by the Association of Environmental Journalists, the petition refers to the alarming statistics on the volume of artificial wreaths brought annually to cemeteries in Chisinau.

These funeral items are made of plastic, wire and synthetic floral sponge, which cannot be recycled, and their management is a challenge for local authorities.

The petition also points out that most cemeteries do not have solutions for managing this waste, and many wreaths end up in unauthorized landfills.

The petition proposes creating a legislative framework that would prohibit the production and marketing of artificial wreaths, while promoting the use of natural flowers and other ecological alternatives.

It is also recommended to launch information and education campaigns for the population on the harmful effects of artificial wreaths on the environment and human health.

At the same time, the initiators of the petition note that the impact of these funeral items on the environment is significant. Low-quality plastic waste can remain in soil and water for long periods, contributing to environmental pollution and damaging local ecosystems. According to specialists, these materials turn into microcompounds and nanoparticles that can seriously affect public health.

According to the Association of Environmental Journalists, the lack of effective solutions for treating this waste affects the image of cemeteries and represents a risk to public health.