Oasis and the environment

Michael has always been conscious of how creating his designs impacts the world in which we all live. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a special place to all of us, and using environmentally-friendly materials is important to maintaining the pristine nature of the area.

We are often asked about our floral foam, a product known commonly as "oasis" since it is manufactured by the Smithers-Oasis company in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Several of our customers recently inquired as to the environmental viability of the oasis foam.

Michael is a floral designer, not a chemist, but he wanted to give you all a real answer. Where better than the people that make the stuff? We called Smithers-Oasis and they directed us to their website - they have posted an Environmental Statement.

Some of the pertinent facts from that statement:

- "Our floral foam is based on inert phenolic resin technology, the same chemistry that is used for the handles of kitchen cook ware. Our resin, when made into our cellular floral foam, is fully polymerized and reacted, with only small traces of free acid (much lower than that of cola beverage products), which may be neutralized by adding water."

- "In 1981, as part of our commitment to being an accountable, socially and environmentally responsible company, Smithers-Oasis was the first in our industry to eliminate the use of freon from floral foam production. Moreover, we've successfully reduced our volatile organic compound emissions (VOCs) by more than 85 percent over the past 25 years."

- "Our post-harvest products are specially formulated to maintain an optimal environment for cut flowers by adjusting the water pH for maximum uptake, providing a source of energy for the flower, and keeping the flower stems open and free flowing."

Michael is monitoring this closely. If he feels that oasis is harmful, he'll find another product.