Every day, we are becoming more aware of our impact on the environment through our choices. People want to take responsibility and reduce the impact we are having on the planet from birth right through to death. While there are many options for a lifetime of earth-conscious living, there are also ways we can make a difference in our death. In this article, we will explore the concept of sustainable funerals and provide a guide to eco-friendly burials.
What is a Sustainable Funeral?
A sustainable funeral is designed to minimise the environmental impact of the burial or cremation process. This can include choosing a casket sourced from local and sustainable products, choosing a biodegradable burial method, and choosing burial or cremation methods that are less environmentally harmful.
Some typical features of sustainable funerals include:
● The use of biodegradable caskets or shrouds made from natural materials
● Avoiding embalming, which can involve toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil
● Choosing burial sites that are designated for natural burials, which allow for
decomposition and the return of nutrients to the earth
● Choosing cremation methods that use less energy, such as water cremation or green
cremation
● Using eco-friendly transportation, such as a horse-drawn carriage or electric vehicles
● Incorporating sustainable practices into the funeral service.
Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds
One of the most important aspects of a sustainable funeral is using caskets or shrouds that have been sustainably sourced. Traditional caskets are made from metal or hardwood, sourced from trees that have taken hundreds of years to grow and can take decades or even centuries to decompose. Biodegradable caskets and shrouds are made from natural materials that break down more quickly, allowing the body to return to the earth.
Some popular materials for biodegradable caskets and shrouds include:
● Farmed timber, such as pine, grows quickly, and has strong construction qualities but
breaks down quickly.
● Recycled paper: Caskets and shrouds made from recycled paper are lightweight and
eco-friendly
● Wool: Woolen shrouds are soft and warm and can be dyed with natural dyes to
create a personalised touch
Natural Burial Sites
Another important aspect of a sustainable funeral is the choice of burial site. Natural burial sites are designated areas that allow the body to decompose naturally without embalming or other chemicals. These sites are often located in natural settings such as forests or meadows and may be marked with a simple wooden marker or a tree.
Natural burial sites allow the body to return to the earth, providing nutrients to the soil and supporting the growth of plants and wildlife. They also reduce the use of resources such as concrete and steel, often used in traditional burial methods.
Cremation Methods
Cremation is another option for those who are looking for a sustainable funeral. However, traditional cremation methods can be energy-intensive and produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and mercury. Several eco-friendly cremation methods can reduce the environmental impact of the process.
Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, uses water and an alkaline solution to break down the body. This method produces fewer greenhouse gases and uses less energy than traditional cremation methods.
Green cremation, or flameless cremation or resomation, combines water and heat to break down the body. This method produces fewer greenhouse gases and uses less energy than traditional cremation.
N.B. Neither water nor green cremation are available in New Zealand at the time of writing.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Transportation is another aspect of a sustainable funeral. Traditional funeral processions often involve a long line of cars, which can contribute to air pollution and use a significant amount of fuel.
Eco-friendly transportation options include:
● A horse-drawn carriage: A beautiful and traditional option that is also eco-friendly
● Electric vehicles: A modern and sustainable option that can be used for
transportation or as a hearse
● Public transportation: Using public transportation such as a bus or train can reduce the number of cars on the road and minimise the environmental impact of the funeral procession
Sustainable Funeral Services
In addition to wanting to help the earth by having a sustainable funeral service, it would also benefit the growing cemeteries. The cemeteries are running out of room. By having a natural burial or being cremated, we can choose another way to lessen the impact.
If we think about coming away from traditional methods of Funerals, not only would this have a better outcome for the environment but will also be more cost-effective.
Many cemeteries have had to increase the costs of buying a funeral plot by 40% because they are running out of room. Encouraging people to choose cremation.
Traditional caskets made from precious timber cost between $4000-$7000.
Simple caskets made from sustainable resources cost between $2000-$3000.
Overall, if we start to think about the options available to us for having a sustainable funeral, we can positively impact the environment, and it does not need to cost the earth.