What is an “Eco Funeral” and what are the benefits?

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, people are starting to think about their impact on the planet, even in death. Green or Eco funerals are an environmentally friendly option for a final resting place that is becoming increasingly popular. These types of funerals aim to reduce the negative impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices, while in my experience allowing families to be really free in their decisions. I think because this is a relatively new way to say goodbye to someone, we don’t have the expectations of traditions that many other styles of funerals can have. Whilst traditions are very important to many people, they can also feel restrictive and in some cases be quite controlling to a family with more modern ideals.  This can then create a little conflict between what people want and what they are expected to have. That discussion is something for a different blog. In this blog, we’ll explore what green funerals are and their benefits.

What is a Green Funeral?

A green funeral is a funeral service that is focussed on environmentally friendly practices. These funerals avoid potentially harmful practices, such as embalming, traditional wooden coffins and cremations. Instead, they use more natural and sustainable options like biodegradable caskets, shrouds and burial in natural landscapes. I feel it is also important to note at this point that every little helps. Some people may not want to be buried, but then does this count them out of a green funeral? I don’t believe it does. As when in life we try and live our lives a little more environmentally friendly, it is the little things that count. We don’t have to go to the extreme to make a difference. So, if it is your wish to be cremated then that is your wish, but you could always decide on a more environmentally friendly coffin, or pick your own flowers, or simply find one of the many ways you can reduce the impact on the environment the funeral will have. Any good funeral director would be able to help discuss these options with you.

Benefits of Green Funerals

1. Reducing waste – a traditional burial can have a significant impact on the environment, with the large coffins that have none bio-degradable components and burial liners. These regularly bury things in the ground that put poisonous substances into the soil such as plastics or formaldehyde.
2. Promoting sustainable practices – green funerals promote environmentally friendly practices, such as using renewable and biodegradable resources, that contribute to the long-term sustainability of the planet.
3. Cost effective – if guided well by a Funeral Director, or you do your own research, green funerals can be less expensive than traditional funerals, as they use fewer resources. This more affordable option can help families make memorial arrangements that are not only eco-friendly but cost effective too. Some examples of how green burials can be more cost effective are:
   1. Correct choice of coffin
   1. No embalming
   1. No large, traditional headstone
4. Personalisation – green funerals offer a variety of personalised options for a memorial service. The ceremony can be held in an outdoor space, or if you talk to your Funeral Director, they should be able to give you a selection of venues to choose from. More people are having a short graveside service, then going back to a venue afterwards for a more bespoke service and share memories.
5. Legacy – green funerals leave a positive impact on the environment, displaying a responsibility for the world even in death. By choosing a green funeral, it creates a legacy for those to come, promoting sustainable practices and inspiring other towards a more planet focussed lifestyle.

Conclusion

Green funerals are an environmentally friendlier option for end-of-life arrangements, being beneficial for the surroundings and the community as a whole. By choosing options like biodegradable caskets and shrouds, the impact on the environment is significantly reduced and sustainable practices are promoted. Green funerals can be a cost-effective option, provide more choices, are personalised and leave a positive impact on the world, enabling us to rest in peace with an ecological legacy.

Below are some links to green or eco-friendly cemeteries so you are able to do further research should you wish. Many traditional cemeteries do offer woodland burials as well these days

Thornsett Cemetery (High Peak Borough Council) –  www.highpeak.gov.uk

Adlington Memorial Park – www.adlingtonmemorialpark.co.uk

Peace Natural Burials (Derbyshire and Yorkshire) – www.peacenaturalburials.co.uk

Green Acres Group – www.greenacresgroup.co.uk