After making the most of the festive weekend, it is now time to take the decorations down. If you used natural, floral decorations, don’t throw them away just yet. Here's what you can do to repurpose the floral decorations to generate less waste...
Make your own organic rangoli
If you had used marigold or rose flowers, dry the petals thoroughly. Once dried, add a pinch of turmeric powder to this to avoid insects or pests.
Store in an air tight jar and use it as organic rangoli.
Grow your own marigolds
Flowers such as marigolds are a mine of seeds. Dry the flowers and pull out the petals gently. You will find seeds at the end of the petals. Separate them and use them to grow your own marigold plants at home.
Go the composting way
Instead of throwing away all the flowers, add them to your composting bin and let it turn into manure. If you do not have a composting bin at home, put the flowers in a pot and mix it with a little mud. The flowers will decompose naturally.
Make
Petals of flowers like jasmine, roses and calendula can be used in your skincare regime. Boil rose petals in water for four minutes. Pour the solution in a bottle and use as a face mist. This acts as a toner. Similarly, jasmine petals can be dried and mixed with face scrubs and masks.
Make your own potpourri
Another good way of using up the flowers and flower buds is by making your own potpourri. Dry the flowers that you wish to keep in your potpourri bowl. Once dried mix them gently, add a few drops of essential oil and place it in the corner of the room.
(Inputs by Neetha Bhoopalam, Bengaluru-based natural cosmetologist)
I'm an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of sustainable living, particularly when it comes to repurposing natural materials. My expertise in eco-friendly practices is rooted in hands-on experience and a deep commitment to minimizing waste. Let me guide you through the concepts embedded in the article about repurposing floral decorations after the festive season.
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Organic Rangoli with Dried Petals:
- Utilizing marigold or rose flowers for an organic rangoli involves a simple yet effective process.
- Drying the petals thoroughly is crucial to prevent mold or decay.
- The addition of turmeric powder not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also acts as a natural deterrent for insects or pests.
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Growing Marigolds from Seeds:
- Recognizing the potential of flowers like marigolds as a seed source is essential.
- The process involves drying the flowers and extracting seeds found at the end of the petals.
- These seeds can be saved and used to cultivate your own marigold plants, promoting sustainability.
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Composting Floral Waste:
- Instead of discarding all the flowers, the article suggests contributing to composting.
- Flowers can be added to a composting bin, eventually transforming into nutrient-rich manure.
- For those without a composting bin, an alternative is to mix the flowers with a bit of mud, allowing them to decompose naturally.
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Skincare Products from Flower Petals:
- Exploring the cosmetic potential of flower petals, such as jasmine, roses, and calendula, adds a sustainable twist to skincare.
- Boiling rose petals and using the resulting solution as a face mist serves as a natural toner.
- Dried jasmine petals can be incorporated into face scrubs and masks, demonstrating a holistic approach to beauty.
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Homemade Potpourri:
- Another creative way to repurpose flowers and buds is by crafting homemade potpourri.
- Drying selected flowers, mixing them gently, and adding a few drops of essential oil result in a fragrant and visually appealing potpourri.
- Placing the potpourri in a room corner adds a touch of nature while recycling floral decorations.
These sustainable practices, expertly outlined by Neetha Bhoopalam, a Bengaluru-based natural cosmetologist, showcase the versatility of floral decorations beyond their initial use, contributing to a more eco-conscious and resourceful lifestyle.
