A funeral is the perfect way to honour the deceased while giving friends and family a space to grieve. If you didn’t get the chance to discuss funeral arrangements with your loved one before they passed, planning a truly meaningful funeral can feel daunting. If your dearly departed was fond of the great outdoors or lived an eco-conscious lifestyle, a green funeral that aligns with their beliefs and values may be the ideal send-off.
Read on to learn more about green funerals and how you can make the ceremony and burial more environmentally friendly while honouring your loved one.
Green Burials
Green burials, also known as natural burials, are given their name as they are deemed the most environmentally friendly form of committing your loved one to the ground. These eco-friendly funerals have several burial sites, either in a woodland, private land, or a memorial ground or cemetery.
Depending on the burial ground you choose, you may be able to select a small biodegradable memorial to mark the location of the burial. Some locations, however, may prefer that no trace is left.
Environmentally Friendly Coffin
The material of the coffin that is buried has a significant impact on the environment. Although wood is biodegradable, it takes a significant amount of time to break down. Metal, on the other hand, can take thousands of years to decompose.
Environmentally friendly coffins are often made of sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled paper, which are biodegradable and have a lower carbon footprint. Choosing an environmentally friendly coffin doesn’t mean compromising on appearance. These coffins can be carefully customised or decorated for a personal touch.
Green Transport
If you have funeral guests coming from afar, consider making transport arrangements to help attendees take public or shared transportation. Alternatively, could you choose a burial location that can be accessed on foot, making it easy for family and friends to attend the ceremony and visit in the future?
Biodegradable Urns
Collecting cremated ashes in biodegradable urns creates a wonderful opportunity for your loved one to become a part of nature. Whether dissolved in water or buried in the ground, the urn will break down over time, releasing the ashes into the environment and contributing to the surrounding ecosystems.
For tree burials, urns are planted beneath a sapling, absorbing the nutrients from the ashes as it grows. Coral reef burials involve using the ashes to create a concrete structure that will become a part of the coral reef, helping to support new life.
Stockman & Loram
At Stockman & Loram, we're proud to offer a range of eco-friendly funeral locations in Torbay, Paignton, Teignbridge, and South Hams. Our green funeral ceremonies are highly customisable, with the option to combine a traditional church funeral or non-religious service with environmentally friendly coffins.
To learn more about how our funeral services can be tailored to meet your unique preferences, get in touch today!
Commentaires