Green Funerals – sometimes referred to as ‘natural burials’ or ‘eco funerals’ – are an increasingly popular option.

Sustainability and the effects of our product and service choices on the world around us have never been more in the spotlight. It’s not surprising that this has also become an important factor to consider when planning a funeral.

There are many options now widely available to make a funeral more ecologically friendly, from swapping out elements such as commercially grown flowers to something more natural, to arranging a completely green funeral.

What is a green funeral?

A green funeral is a term that usually refers to a woodland burial, an eco-funeral, or a natural burial.

Green funerals are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional burials and funeral services. They use less harmful or wasteful materials during the body preparation and burial process. The purpose of a more natural style of funeral is to reduce the funeral’s environmental impact.

The ceremony is held in a natural setting, usually outdoors in a meadow or woodland area, that provides peace and tranquillity for family and friends. A green funeral will be held in a location that promotes native flowers and wildlife while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.

Why choose a green funeral?

People are becoming more aware of, and concerned about, their environmental impact. Some people choose to have a green funeral because they care about their carbon footprint in life and want to continue doing so after death.

A natural burial is the process of returning a body to the earth in the most natural way possible. As mentioned before, this is typically done in green spaces such as wildflower meadows or protected woodland, which can be more pleasant places to remember a loved one.

Green funerals are also much more adaptable in terms of service or memorial. You may want to consider a green funeral if you want a simple, personalised service that focuses on your loved one’s stories in a beautiful setting.

Is a green funeral right for me or my loved one?

A green funeral may be right for you or your loved ones if you prefer an environmentally conscious funeral, a nature-focused service, or a non-religious service – or all three.

Many people prefer green funerals because they like the idea of a body returning to the earth and of planting a tree or flowers in memory of a loved one.

It’s also worth noting that a green funeral takes place in burial grounds that are designed to look as much like natural woodland as possible,. While your loved one’s exact burial location may be difficult to locate, many people consider the entire green space to be a memorial.

What is an Eco-friendly coffin?

Eco-friendly coffins are made from sustainable materials and will not harm the environment as they decompose. There are many different types of coffins to choose from. The style and materials used will have an impact on cost, so it’s always worth exploring your options.

Cardboard Coffins

Cardboard coffins are a popular choice as they are completely biodegradable and made from recycled material. If the cardboard is manufactured in the UK the cardboard will have an even lower carbon footprint than if shipped from overseas.

Wool Coffins

Wool is the ultimate sustainable material. When the wool comes from UK farms the shipping footprint is minimal. Wool is completely biodegradable, renewable, and loved by natural burial grounds.

Willow Coffins

Willow grows very quickly at around 10 feet over the course or a summer. Once harvested the remaining stump can produce additional rods. It’s highly sustainable and grows very well in the UK. Willow coffins can be woven into many types of designs and colours.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Wood

There are wooden coffin options available that are eco-friendly. Look for FSC certified wood which means it has come from a sustainable source and has been carefully managed. Designs can be printed onto an environmentally friendly paper wrap, and you can even create your own bespoke design to be applied.

Shroud

For some, their preference is not to have a coffin at all. Many people don’t realise that you can opt for a simple cotton shroud, woollen blanket, or any other natural material instead of a coffin.  

What eco-friendly options are there for funerals?

Even if you aren’t having a completely green funeral, there are some easy swaps that can make a funeral more environmentally friendly:

• Flowers – where possible choose seasonal and hand tied. Avoid any foam and polystyrene – ask your florist to use biodegradable materials such as moss and bamboo picks to replace pins. You can also ask guests to donate to a charity instead of flowers.
• Online invites – email guests or post the details on social media. Rather than printing an order of service, opt for an online version or e-book.
• Transport – use local public transport if possible or suggest car sharing. Think about whether some of the funeral procession could be done on foot. Look for a funeral director who is replacing traditional vehicles with hybrid or electric vehicles.
• Coffin – choose a more natural and environmentally friendly material for your coffin. Look for funeral director’s that use reputable suppliers such as Somerset Willow Coffins, or Colourful Coffins.
• Opt for a natural burial ground such as Atlantic Rest Natural Burial.

Greener Ways to Remember

There are also considerations you can make for any ceremonial or memorial tributes you plan for your loved one. Stay away from releasing balloons and sky lanterns as these leave plastics and material that is detrimental for plants and wildlife around for years. Instead choose flower petals or seeded paper – something that has a positive impact on the planet when it breaks down.

What is the cost of a green funeral?

Green funeral costs can range from hundreds to thousands, but they can be less expensive than a cremation or traditional burial depending on what you choose to have.

This is because coffins are made of less expensive materials, such as recycled paper or cardboard, and headstones or memorials are rarely used (these tend to be the most expensive components of a funeral send-off).

In addition to purchasing the woodland burial plot, you may be required to pay a gravedigging fee, which varies between burial grounds. You should also consider the cost of the tree or flowers you want to plant if allowed by the burial ground.

Whatever your wishes are for your funeral, you can record them by creating a funeral plan. We can also provide an estimate for you. You can contact the team on 01288 352 282 or online.