Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The poppy became a symbol of remembrance because of a poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian soldier who served in World War I. His poem “In Flanders Fields” describes the poppies that grew on the battlefields of Flanders, Belgium, where many soldiers died.
Today, wearing a poppy is a way to show respect and gratitude for those who have served their country and to honor their sacrifice. It is also a reminder of the ongoing need for peace and to strive for a better future without war and conflict.
Making an environmentally friendly switch often means weighting in process of producing the product and examining alternative products long-term use and how the replacing product may be more beneficial.
Researchers from the University College London (UCL), have collaborated with the Royal British Legion for the evaluation of a potential new plastic-free Remembrance poppy, noting that it has a 40 percent less carbon emissions over its lifetime for its production.
The Royal British Legion has witnessed the forming of a plastic-free poppy in the last 3 years, together with expert partners. This is an attempt to bring down its application of single-use plastic and be economical, sustainable, as well as a lower impact in the atmosphere.
The UCL, Department of Chemical Engineering researchers were called in, for evaluating the atmospheric impact of the new poppy and to make sure of its sustainability, by the process of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This LCA group, was led by Professor Paola Lettieri and Dr Andrea Paulillo, who are recognized across the globe for their activities in LCA applied to energy and waste management systems, which include plastic waste lowering to nuclear waste reuse.
The switch is likely to gain attention in many other countries considering a green alternative, giving the public an opportunity to preserve both tradition involving the acknowledgement of fallen hero’s along with the environment.
