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Greener Funerals
Eco-friendly Funerals
People are increasingly concerned about the impact they have on the world we live in. Some may wonder, “What is a green funeral?” or “How much is a green funeral?” Green funerals are designed to reduce environmental impact, and we are proud to offer sustainable funeral options for those who wish to consider the planet in their choices. Whether you are looking for a completely eco-friendly funeral or want to simply incorporate some sustainable elements, we can help. A funeral is often a time for reflection, and choosing green funeral practices, like eco burials or eco-friendly burials in the UK, can be a powerful signal to those in attendance.
It would be an honor to support you if you want to understand more about sustainable funerals or are interested in planning an eco-friendly funeral. We were the first UK funeral director to become a certified B Corp and won the “Green Funeral Director of the Year” in the 2021 National Good Funeral Awards – people and the planet matter to us. We understand that many people are seeking environmental funeral options and are curious about what is the most eco-friendly funeral or how to make a traditional funeral more eco-friendly. We are here to guide you through the process.
If you’re wondering how to plan an eco-friendly funeral or what an eco-friendly funeral service might involve, we can offer advice on various environmentally friendly funerals. From eco burials to green funerals in the UK, there are many ways to incorporate environmentally conscious decisions into funeral planning. For those asking, “How much does an eco funeral cost?” we can provide a clear understanding of the costs involved in eco funerals and eco-friendly burials.
Please get in touch if you would like to express your wishes, or if you need to arrange a funeral and would like to explore environmental funeral choices. We support families across Yorkshire and Greater Manchester with eco-friendly funerals, but we are always happy to answer questions and give advice to anyone from further afield. Whether you’re looking for green funeral directors or simply want to learn more about eco-friendly funerals and environmental funeral options, we are here to help.
Read more about biodegradable coffins / caskets
Choosing a biodegradable coffin made from biodegradable materials (such as cardboard or wool) can sometimes be an effective way to minimise your impact on the environment. However, it is also important to know how far these coffins have travelled as more locally grown and manufactured options may be preferable.
If you would prefer a wooden (or wood effect) coffin, then selecting one made from locally source hardwoods (like oak or cherry) or softwoods (like pine) can make for a more environmentally friendly funeral than other options. Manufacturers will be able to advise where the wood has been grown and whether it is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) registered.
Contrary to widespread belief, you do not have to use a coffin at all. These may be particularly suitable for Natural Burial services and ec-burials.
Alternatives, such as a material shroud are an increasingly popular. If you think you would prefer a shroud over a coffin, you might like to think about whether it is for burial or cremation, as it has been suggested that the lack of a coffin can inadvertently increase the emissions of a cremation.
Read more about eco-burial
Burial, compared to cremation, is likely to be a greener choice (as it avoids the mercury, dioxin and carbon monoxide emissions associated with cremation). Furthermore, burial closer to the surface (such as in a natural burial service) means that decomposition becomes aerobic and is more beneficial.
If you would like more information then please refer to the Planet Mark report (link above).
Read more about low-impact travel
You may wish to consider how far the body and funeral attendees travel and the type of fuel used in transportation.
Choosing a local burial ground and having the service in the same location may be possible and you may wish to consider using our electric hearse and limo. Attendees can be encouraged to share cars or travel together in a larger vehicle.
Greener Funerals Research
Until recently, there has been no expert, independent and publicly available information about the relative impact of these choices. Thanks to community-funded research, we now have access to data that can help you make greener choices and low-impact funerals – and help the industry achieve net-zero.
The research was carried out by experts at Planet Mark using Life Cycle Analysis on two key elements of the funeral process: the impact of different coffin materials and body committal/disposal options. While the research is not exhaustive and there is much to be learned, it provides the most transparent and independent data publicly available now.
Other things to consider
There are several other things to consider when contemplating creating a low-impact, eco-friendly funeral:
Avoid embalming to ensure that formaldehyde does not leak into the ground after burial
Ensure that flowers are sourced locally, or handpicked from your own garden
Avoid use of cellophane and oasis in floral arrangements, and aim to use only natural, biodegradable materials
Minimise the use of funeral stationery and ensure that any paper used is recycled
Choose a memorial location which you can visit without having to travel far by car