Both eco-friendly and meaningful, a green funeral can be a great send off for a loved one who valued the outdoors and environment.
Read more about green funerals and discover their benefits in this informative blog.
What is a green funeral?
A green funeral is a sustainable alternative to traditional burials and cremation. Usually involving eco-friendly coffins and woodland burial options, this type of funeral was designed specifically to limit the impact on the environment. These options can be combined with any type of funeral – religious or non-religious.
Why should I consider a green funeral?
Green funerals have several benefits which appeal to many people:
Reduced carbon footprint
Traditional funerals usually involve large quantities of wood, concrete, steel and other metals being placed in the ground each year. These funerals require the permanent installation of non-biodegradable vaults around non-biodegradable caskets. Natural burials eliminate this waste of resources by providing biodegradable caskets made from alternative materials such as willow, cardboard, or pine instead. This makes them a much more sustainable option, and an additional bonus is that these materials are more likely to be sourced from the local community. Green burial cemeteries also contribute to the natural eco-cycle, as the body is allowed to naturally decompose and return to the earth. Natural habitats remain undisturbed due to the lack of gravestones while the full decomposition process allows new life to grow, meaning wildlife habitats are protected and restored.
A cheaper alternative
Green funerals are typically cheaper than traditional ones. This is largely because they eliminate many of the costs associated with embalming and body preparation on top of offering families less expensive options for caskets. At a time of grief, green burials can be a great way to alleviate some of the financial burden for families, while still allowing a full range of compassionate services to provide their loved one a proper send-off.
Safer for people and the environment
Traditional funerals can carry considerable health hazards for those who carry them out. Embalmers are routinely exposed to chemicals known to cause cancer and neurological diseases, increasing their risk of contracting these illnesses. Green burials reduce these hazards and create a safer environment for people to work.
At Stockman & Loram, we have a wide range of green burial options for you to choose across Torbay, Teignbridge and South Hams. We also offer a bespoke plan, combining a traditional church burial with an environmentally-friendly coffin. Our knowledge of the local area means we know where the most tranquil and beautiful spots for green burials are, so we’ll be able to provide you with a thoughtful and personalised sendoff. Contact us today to find out more about our funeral planning services.
