people have become more aware of the environmental impacts of funeral practices. From embalming chemicals to non-biodegradable coffins, traditional funerals often leave behind a lot of carbon.
But there is a growing trend towards environmentally friendly funerals that respect the dead and the land. Planning an eco-friendly funeral is not only a way to reduce environmental damage but also a great way to celebrate the peaceful death of your loved one with nature.
Here’s how to plan a green funeral:
- Choose a green burial:
Choose a green burial site that follows the traditions of the environment. These places often prohibit the use of embalming fluid and require biodegradable caskets or shrouds. Look for green or cemeteries in your area that are important for sustainability and conservation.
- Choose beneficial materials:
Instead of a metal or hardwood casket, consider using eco-friendly materials like bamboo, willow, seagrass, or cardboard. These materials are biodegradable and have less
environmental impact than traditional coffins. Alternatively, a fabric made from natural fibers can be a beautiful and durable choice.
- Use natural embalming alternatives:
If embalming is necessary, ask about eco-friendly embalming fluid made from non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. Alternatively, consider giving up altogether or explore storage methods such as refrigeration or dry ice.
- Choose environmentally friendly transportation:
Choose transportation that reduces carbon emissions. Consider replacing traditional sound with a biofuel or electric car, horse-drawn carriage, or even a loud bicycle for a unique and environmentally friendly performance.
- Use biodegradable memorial materials: From memorial cards to floral arrangements, choose biodegradable materials such as recycled paper, seed paper, or recycled materials. These may be planted after the ceremony to symbolize the continuation of life and growth.
- Encourage flower donations: Instead of using flowers that will be contaminated with pesticides and produce waste, it is suggested to donate money to environmental organizations or charities that follow the values of the deceased.
- Consider environmentally friendly cremation options: If cremation is preferred, explore environmentally friendly alternatives such as water cremation (hydration) or
bio cremation, which uses less energy and produces fewer emissions than
the traditional cremation method.
- Offsetting carbon emissions: Calculate your funeral’s carbon footprint and decide to offset it by investing in a carbon offset project or supporting a recovery program. This helps reduce the environmental impact of
the event.
- Promote sustainable practices: Use the funeral as an opportunity to
teach attendees about environmentally friendly practices and encourage them to develop positive habits in their lives. Provides resources and information about living green and saving money.
- Honor the memory of the event: Consider scattering the ashes in a natural setting or planting a memorial tree to honor the deceased. This creates a lasting gift while also benefiting the environment.
5 ways to arrange an Eco-Friendly Funeral Service with Funeral Home
Having an eco-friendly funeral is a thoughtful and compassionate way to honor a loved one while also respecting the environment.
You can partner with a funeral home to provide environmentally friendly funeral services in the following ways:
- Green Funeral Packages: Partner with a funeral home to provide a green funeral package that includes a casket or pail made from sustainable materials. Make sure the chosen burial site supports natural decomposition without the use of stone or embalming fluid.
- Embalming Alternatives: In Funeral Homes you will explore cosmetic alternatives like coolants or eco-friendly embalming fluids made from natural, non-toxic ingredients. These options reduce the use of environmentally
Harmful chemicals.
- Carbon Offsetting Services: Work with funeral homes that offer
Carbon offsetting services to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and other funeral services. Donations can support measures such as planting plants or renewable energy projects.
- Donate to an environmental cause: Instead of funeral services or gifts, donations to an environmental organization
Or charity that follows the legacy and passion of the deceased are recommended.
- Digital invitations and celebrations: Reduce paper waste by sending invitations and celebrations via email or using online platforms. This not only saves resources but also helps increase guest sharing and access.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. —IRISH PROVERB
Eco-Friendly coffin with Funeral Home
In Funeral Home you can get Eco-Friendly Coffins. An important part of an ecological funeral is the use of an eco-friendly coffin. The idea is to stay away from traditional wooden caskets and caskets as they affect the life of the tree. Instead, your loved one will leave a request stating that you would like to use other materials for their casket, such as:
Made from biodegradable, renewable and sustainable materials.