green funerals
I am extremely supportive of offering families a greener alternative in funerals. I often work with families as a “Death Care Advocate.” If you require independent advice on anything to do with death and dying, please call me on 0408691405. I will assist you to understand your choices, your rights and the law pertaining to funerals in language that you can understand.
We know from many sources that there is a global movement towards green burials, and using more environmentally friendly products. I can help you source those products.
Natural burial means no headstone, no embalming, no fancy furnished coffin (sometimes it means no coffin), and no ‘six feet under’ either
Many cemeteries are now accepting shrouded cremations – this is a wonderful option for many people. This means we can organise the transport of the person, often using a community coffin, and then bury/or cremate in a shroud only.
A greener alternative can take many forms:
From the car that takes you to the ceremony, to coffins made from woven wicker, plantation pine or recycled cardboard – or maybe just a shroud or more environmentally friendly garment.
The venue of the funeral – this can be any option you wish. Australians have been conditioned to believe the only option we have is to sit in dreary dark chapels. This is not the only option we have. There are many gorgeous venues that offer a better alternative. Why not consider a special venue – outside.
Many people do not realise that in many cases you can have the body at home until the funeral – and some families even apply to have the body buried on their private property. In some states it is possible to bury someone on your own private property, and not in a cemetery. For more detail on this you would need to contact your local council to enquire about their policy for burial on private ground.
Please note it is imperative that you comply with council regulations.
To bury a person on private land there are a few things that will be taken into account :
The size of the land
Making sure the person who owns the land has given permission
You will be required to register the grave site on the DP (Deposited Plan of the property),
The Health Dept will have to approve the selected spot
And the grave must be dug to the approved depth, with a minimum clearance from the lid.
For more ideas on Green Funerals please visit Click
Building a coffin
Coffins must meet legal requirements such as fitting standard grave dimensions, or cremators, and meeting occupational health and safety requirements.
All coffins for cremation must have a fixed, but easy to remove nameplate, that is used in tracking the identity of the remains through the cremation process. It is possible to build your own coffin, to purchase a cardboard, bamboo or woollen coffin . However, it can be difficult to find a funeral director who is prepared to use a coffin that they have not supplied.
Throughout the world there are many coffin making clubs that will assist in showing you how to build a coffin, or build one for you.
Decorating a Coffin
Over the years I’ve seen many beautifully decorated coffins. Some are painted and decorated with a variety of things and others were covered with hand made quilts. Many coffins are suitable for artwork using decoupage, crayons, oil pastels, charcoal, felt pen, oil paints, or acrylic paints.
What are ways that you can reduce the impact on the environment?
One thing that you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your final rest, is to skip the embalming process. This is often a preferred way to go for green funerals. Embalming uses highly toxic agents to slow the body’s decomposition. This is done mainly for the benefit of loved ones and in most cases isn’t necessary. By avoiding the embalming process, you avoid release of toxic agents, either through the soil or in the atmosphere. If most funeral directors were honest with you – they would tell you that when they die – they will not be embalmed. That’s a pretty good indication that it’s not necessary.
Don’t use a coffin at all – you can get buried or cremated in a shroud.
Or have an environmentally friendly casket/coffin made. Have a coffin constructed from bamboo, jute, or even cardboard. These materials degrade much faster than hardwood. You even have the choice of using a biodegradable urn, if you wish.
Have your order of service made from recycled paper.
Order flowers that have been grown organically or better still ask everyone to arrive with hand picked greenery/flowers from their own gardens.
Carpool from the funeral service to final site.
Any step that can be taken to lessen the impact of the event upon the environment is a green initiative.