Environmentally Friendly Funerals – What are the options? With the passing of time, the options that are now available for funerals are significantly greater than they have ever been. On this basis, Laura Richardson describes some of the types of environmentally friendly funerals that you may like to consider . . .
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of burial you may like to consider planning for a ‘green burial’ as an example of the many environmentally friendly funerals that you may like to consider. A green burial takes place in a manner that minimises its negative impact on the environment. There are many ways to make greener choices for your burial. We at Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services have compiled a list of some greener options you may wish to consider:
Casket options
There are many alternatives to the traditional mahogany coffin, which uses wood from an endangered rainforest tree, as well as metal hinges and clasps, and resins. You could use a sustainably sourced wood coffin, or even greener options now include wicker, recycled cardboard, banana leaf, bamboo, or even wool. In fact, you need not have a coffin at all; you could opt for a simple cloth shroud instead.
Flowers
Cut flowers have a detrimental environmental impact due to the growers’ use of pesticides, as well as a potentially high carbon footprint due to the fact that many flowers are imported. It is therefore becoming increasingly popular to opt for charitable donations ‘in lieu of flowers’. In this way you can, not only lessen the negative environmental impact of cut flowers but also encourage much-needed donations to a worthy charity of your choice.
Burial site
A more eco-friendly burial site choice is a natural woodland or a dedicated natural burial site, which will have strict rules to ensure that the ecology of the site is protected. There are around 270 natural burial sites across the UK to choose from.
Grave marking options
Environmentally friendly alternatives to a traditional headstone include a plant, tree, or rock, although some natural burial sites will allow a small wooden or slate marker.
Chemical-free
There is no legal requirement for a body to be embalmed. Embalming fills the body with a chemical that will eventually seep into and pollute the ground around the burial site. An alternative option is to request that your body is refrigerated after death until your funeral takes place.
Whether you want a fully ‘green’ burial, or whether you simply want to incorporate some environmentally friendly ideas into your funeral plans, it is important that you make your wishes known to your loved ones if you would like some form of environmentally friendly funerals to be considered. You could also include your wishes for your green burial within your Will, however, your loved ones are not legally bound to comply with your wishes. The only legally binding way to ensure that you will receive the funeral that you have planned for is with a pre-paid funeral plan, even where you are considering environmentally friendly funerals. There are many advantages to a pre-paid funeral plan, not least that your funeral will take place with your exact choices, and your loved ones will be spared the emotional and financial burden of planning your funeral during the sad time following your death. If you would like more information regarding planning your green burial, contact Andrew Douglas Wills and Legal Services to arrange your free initial consultation.
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