A Green Goodbye: How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Funeral

Maybe you’re paying tribute to a lost loved one and want added meaning in their memorial. Maybe you’re considering your own funeral and how you can be a force for good when you’re gone. If you’re looking for options to build sustainability into your funeral plans, we’ve got you.

Cremation or burial? The downside of the first is the obvious CO2 emissions, made worse by the use of embalming chemicals and the burning of prosthetics, joint replacements and implants. The downsides of the second are land usage, more required resources and the possibility of toxins polluting the soil. So how can these traditions become more eco-friendly?

Cremations

Let’s start with cremation. First, limiting chemicals in the embalming process can prevent unnecessary toxins from being released into the atmosphere. Alternatively, using water and heat instead of flames, an electric cremation means lower energy consumption and less air pollution.

Want an offbeat suggestion? Selecting a plantable seed paper ashes box over a traditional urn means less waste, with the bonus of wildflowers growing after ashes have been scattered.

If you’re planning a burial, there are ways to minimise environmental impact. Selecting sustainable coffin materials like wicker, willow and even wool can make it more eco-friendly, thanks to their biodegradable nature.

A wicker basket coffin used for a funeral

Burials

Natural burials in approved woodland, meadows and parkland offer a greener alternative to standard cemeteries, where no embalming processes and biodegradable coffins are essential.

Other natural burial services offer a tree being planted to remember the person who has passed, which comes with the bonus of increasing biodiversity, cleaning the air and improving energy conservation.

Terramation

Ever heard of human composting? Bear with us. Terramation, also known as human or body composting, transforms our remains and returns them to the earth as compost. This means new life can be established thanks to the nutrients and nourishment placed back into the soil.

In terms of sustainability, it’s a winner for reducing harmful emissions, conserving resources and physically giving back to the planet. It’s become increasingly popular in the USA and Canada and is now available in the UK for the ultimate eco-friendly afterlife.

A plantable order of service for a funeral printed on seed paper

Memorial service

In terms of the memorial service, there are ways we can be remembered that reduce harm to the planet. Selecting recyclable, biodegradable or plantable memorial cards, orders of service and other funeral stationery means you minimise waste.

Seed paper products come with the bonus of customisation, with options to include favourite flowers and seeds to be remembered by. Our founder’s Grandad was remembered at his service with SeedPrint memorial cards embedded with clover seeds to celebrate his Irish heritage. 

Choosing flowers for the service can be made more eco-friendly by selecting florists committed to sustainable practices. Sourcing locally grown, seasonal and compostable flowers for funeral sprays, posies and cushions limits the environmental impact.

Choosing living wreaths and plants can create biodiversity while helping absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide for longer-term planet gains. 

Flower wreath for a funeral

Funeral reception

The funeral reception can create more opportunities for sustainability through food, drink and decor. Selecting caterers who use organic, local and seasonal produce reduces your wake’s carbon footprint.

Your alcohol choices can continue to lower it by choosing products from wineries that prioritise soil protection, increased biodiversity and eco-friendly production methods.

Decorations can be recyclable, biodegradable or even plantable to minimise zero-use products and maximise pros for the planet.

Saying goodbye to loved ones might never feel like a positive affair, but knowing there can be a positive for the environment with lasting reminders of their life can hopefully help.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your custom ideas for a sustainable funeral service.