In today’s day and age, the importance placed on our environmental choices is definitely increasing! We can strive for better environmental consciousness in various aspects of our lives. From food and drink to recycling and funerals, more and more new ways to consider our environment are emerging.
You may be wondering what a green funeral is, and we’re here to answer all your questions, as well as help you find a reputable service to help you with a funeral service for a loved one. If you’ve never heard of an eco-friendly, or green funeral, it might be something you want to consider for a loved one, or for yourself. Our blog dives into everything you need to know about green funerals, and what they encompass. To find out more about eco-friendly funerals, and whether they might be the right choice for your loved one, keep on reading.
What Are Green Funerals?
A green funeral is essentially an eco-friendly funeral that is less harmful to the environment than a typical funeral. A green funeral can be a beautiful way to remember your loved one, reconnecting them with nature, while simultaneously looking after the environment. Some key examples of a green-funeral include:
A natural burial or green burial in a memorial ground/cemetery
A natural burial in a woodland
A natural or green burial on your property/private land
Green burials, or green funerals typically involve a natural coffin, made from sustainable materials, or a shroud that is used instead. Embalming isn’t permitted at green funerals, because of the chemicals used and released, which can negatively impact the environment.
Typically, at a green burial, or eco-friendly funeral, the body is committed to the ground with a small service of your choice. Some locations may allow you to have a biodegradable memorial placed at the location of the body, but this doesn’t go for all green-funerals. Some organisations may not allow for a memorial, so that they can preserve the natural landscape of the park or woodland.
Why Choose A Green Funeral?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to hold a green, or environmentally friendly funeral for their loved one. As more individuals and families become increasingly concerned with the environment, more and more people decide to have eco-funerals. For individuals who have concerns towards the environment, choosing an eco-burial is a great way to care for the environment even after they pass.
A green burial focuses on returning a body to the earth in the most natural way possible. Embracing wild-flower meadows, protected green spaces and woodlands can be a unique, pleasant way to send off your loved one.
Green funerals can also offer you more flexibility when it comes to the funeral service, burial choices and coffin choices. Some people opt for green funerals because of this flexibility, which focuses on a more natural and full circle way of honouring a loved one.
Eco-Friendly Funeral Types
When it comes to eco-funerals, there are a range of different burials and service options for your loved one. We’ve outlined some of the most common green funeral types you might come across.
Natural Burials
Natural burials are a common eco-friendly choice for funerals. They involve placing the deceased into a sustainable coffin, or being wrapped in a shroud. They are then buried, at a natural burial ground or a conservation cemetery. These sites and organisations are designed to help the body return to the earth with a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. By avoiding embalming processes and conventional burial methods, natural burial grounds can focus on preserving their natural state. In doing this, the burial grounds can blend seamlessly into the landscape or natural burial site, with a smaller impact on the environment.
Green Cremations
Green cremations are a type of cremation service that aims to reduce the amount of CO2 released in a typical cremation. Green cremations take on a more unconventional method, by using electric cremation machines, cremation services are able to lower their emissions and energy usage, while still cremating the bodies of the deceased.
These systems are often less polluting, making them a viable choice for eco-conscious funerals. They help to reduce the carbon footprint created by cremations, helping to protect the environment as much as possible.
Tree Pod Burials
Tree pod burials are another beautiful, eco-friendly way to honour and remember your loved one. While some organisations may let you place a biodegradable memorial by the body of your loved one, others may not. But, if you’re looking for a memorable way to honour your recent loss, a tree pod burial could be the perfect choice.
In a tree pod burial, the deceased is placed into a biodegradable pod, which is then buried beneath a newly planted tree. This process allows the body to become a source of nourishment for the tree, as it decays, releasing minerals and nutrients. As time goes on, the planted tree will flourish, giving you a wonderful memorial for your loved one, whilst helping the environment.
Sustainable Coffin Choices
The coffin is an important part of any funeral, and it is also one of the most important factors in helping the environment. There are a range of environmentally friendly coffin choices for you to choose from, meaning you can be eco-conscious throughout each step of the funeral planning process.
Cardboard Coffins
Cardboard coffins are a viable option for an eco-friendly funeral. Cardboard is made up from recycled materials and is a biodegradable material, meaning it won’t harm the environment as much as other materials, like hardwood caskets. These coffins are often customisable, and allow you to reflect your loved ones personality. Cardboard coffins can be a good option for both burials and cremations, as they burn without a lot of emissions.
Shrouds
Shrouds are also commonly used for green burials, as a simpler alternative to traditional funeral caskets. The shroud is made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, which the body is then wrapped in. There is no need for an actual coffin structure when a shroud is used, and they are ideal for burial services which return the body to the earth as naturally as possible.
Wood Coffins
Wooden coffins are another option when it comes to eco-funerals. They give a rustic, natural appearance, and reclaimed wood is a good sustainable option. Some individuals even craft their own wooden coffins to honour their loved ones. When choosing a wood coffin for environmental purposes, be sure to choose natural woods, rather than MDF or chipboard. Here in the UK, there are several companies that facilitate wooden coffins which are environmentally friendly.
Bamboo Coffins
Bamboo coffins, as the name suggests, are constructed from bamboo. This sustainable material is great for sturdy, lightweight coffins and the material is also biodegradable. Bamboo is extremely versatile, and can be used to create a range of different designs to suit and honour your loved one. Bamboo doesn’t require a lot of resources to grow, and grows at a rapid rate, meaning it is a great option for green funerals and coffins.
These are just a handful of potential coffin types for your loved one, and they all contribute to protection of the environment. If you want to learn more about sustainable funerals and coffin choices, head to our website to learn more.
T & I Stockman: Woodland Burials & Environmentally Friendly Funeral Options
Here at T I Stockman, we understand the importance of giving your loved one the right send off. Whether you’re looking for conscious options or regular funeral services, we can help you create the service that your loved one deserves. From our woodland burials to our environmentally friendly coffins, we offer a range of services and options to help you create the perfect funeral for your loved one.
To find out more about our green burials, you can head to our website to learn more. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with our team for any further enquiries or questions regarding our green burials and environmentally friendly funerals.
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