Protecting the environment has become a key concern for more and more people around the world. And, from buying energy saving home appliances to electric vehicles, UK consumers are considering the environment more often in their lifestyle choices.
When it comes to funeral planning, people are also thinking more carefully about the impact their final send-off might have on the environment. In the SunLife Cost of Dying Report, 2023, one in 10 people said that they would like a woodland or eco-friendly funeral.
But what are your choices if you want to plan a more eco-friendly funeral?
Cremation
One of the biggest decisions anyone has to make when planning their funeral is whether to be buried or cremated. This is a very personal decision, but when planning for a more environmentally friendly funeral, it’s important to understand the relative impacts.
Cremation is often seen as the less environmentally friendly option - the energy required is reportedly equivalent to a 500-mile car journey and has an immediate impact on the environment. The process can also release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Checking the energy efficiency and pollution control measures in place at your local crematorium may help with your decision.
Burial
Traditional burials are not without their own environmental impacts, due to the embalming chemicals and materials used to make coffins. While ashes can be scattered safely, burial plots take up space. The amount of land that can be realistically spared for burials is decreasing over time.
For a more environmentally friendly burial, consider sustainable coffin materials, and possibly a woodland plot.
Natural or woodland funerals
Woodland burials, also known as green or natural burials, are an increasingly popular and more eco-friendly option. Typically they take place in designated woodland areas or natural burial grounds, with a biodegradable coffin and without embalming.
The underlying philosophy of natural or woodland burials is to integrate the deceased into the natural ecosystem. Plots are often unmarked or marked with a natural alternative to a typical headstone, such as a tree or flowers that will, with time, blend in with the surrounding woodland. While finding individual burial locations on woodland sites can be difficult, many people come to see the entire wood as a memorial.
Coffins
When it comes to choosing a coffin, there are a number of options available. Traditional coffins are constructed of wood and metal, and are generally not made with the environment in mind. In contrast, more environmentally friendly coffins are made from materials that are sustainable. These materials come in many forms, from wool to willow.
If you are considering a woodland burial, an eco-friendly coffin will be required. These specially designed coffins will be made out of natural, biodegradable materials such as recycled cardboard, wicker, or bamboo. Any fittings, screws or nails will also be made from natural materials.
Innovations and future alternatives
As environmental concerns have grown, the funeral industry has been working to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly funeral alternatives.
Water cremation is soon to be introduced into the UK, with research positioning the technique as a more sustainable funeral option. No toxic gasses, air pollutants, or polluting fluids are released during water cremation. Also known as resomation, it is already popular in North America.
The water cremation process uses a liquid solution made from potassium hydroxide to break the body down.
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction (NOR), is another sustainable funeral alternative being considered in the UK. The process uses microorganisms to break down human remains into nutrient-rich soil in about 30 days.
Although not currently legal in the UK, the government is considering the issue after a petition calling for its legalization received over 100,000 signatures.
Promession, an experimental technique developed less than 20 years ago by a Swedish biologist, is the process of freeze-drying the body. The remains are then vibrated with sound waves, which breaks them down into a fine powder. The powder is placed in a biodegradable container, and buried.
If you’re interested in more environmentally friendly funeral options, speak to your local independent funeral director to see what they can offer.
