Canadian Legion launches annual poppy campaign with environmental initiatives in mind

The annual push to honour fallen soldiers officially kicked off across the country Friday and is set to run until Remembrance Day.

The Royal Canadian Legion is shifting towards more environmentally-friendly initiatives this year with new biodegradable poppies.

“We are pleased that we have been able to reduce our environmental footprint with these beautiful biodegradable symbols of Remembrance,” Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion, Bruce Julian said.

New biodegradable poppies and wreaths are crafted from a variety of natural materials including paper, cotton, velvet, plaster, moss, and bamboo.

It will take a few years for residual stock to be depleted, but the Legion intends that eventually all poppies and wreaths used during the campaign will be biodegradable.

Organizers say they’re hopeful that Canadians will take more time this year to pay tribute to veterans, both past and present.

READ MORE: Tap and pay poppy donation boxes coming next week

For a third year, 1000 “Pay Tribute” tap and give electronic boxes will be found at many Legion Branches and donors can receive a lapel poppy from the machine after donating.

The Legion is rolling out just over 27-thousand poppy-boxes, compared to around 34-thousand from last year.