 EnvirCitizen.org has done a great deal of research on the topic of green funerals. There are many green funeral options that are not only 100% eco-friendly, but also economical.
Choosing what do with the remains is typically one of the first choices you will have to face. There are many green options which cater to a variety of different personal choices. Cremation is actually growing in popularity for many reasons. Over the past several years, crematoriums have made an effort to lower their emissions. Despite releasing minor air pollution during the process, cremating may be better for the environment than traditional burials.
Cremation isn’t for everyone, so the option to bury your loved one’s remains is still a very common choice. In ground burials, the body gradually decomposes, becoming part of the earth. Since the coffin and body can have such a positive or negative effect on the environment during this process, many are choosing to choose alternatives to traditional embalming, traditional coffins and concrete vaults. Some of the most popular choices for green funerals include the choice of an eco-friendly casket. They come in many different types and the costs can vary as well—from cardboard coffins that average around $50 to bamboo or willow coffins which tend to be a bit more expensive, though just as eco-friendly due to the renewable materials they are crafted from.
Embalming is another controversial subject in relation to green funerals. Embalming is the process of replacing all of the bodily fluids with chemical preservatives. This is a popular choice especially for those who wish to have an open casket funeral or wake. It is certainly a popular choice, however, one should consider that the embalming fluids are absorbed into the ground over time as the body decomposes. These chemicals can be quite harmful to the environment.
You may also want to consider not using a vault. Vaults are simply concrete or metal boxes that simply hold or “receive” the casket once it is lowered into the ground. The vault works in many ways. The vault protects the casket and prevents the ground from settling as the casket deteriorates. The cemetery usually makes the decision whether or not to use a vault, but families can either find a cemetery where vaults are optional or choose a green cemetery where they do not allow vaults.
One last thing to consider while organizing a green funeral is the use of a living marker instead of a traditional headstone. A living marker is typically a plant, tree or bush planted in memory of the deceased. This living marker is a wonderful alternative as it not only beautifies the area, but impacts the environment in a very positive way as it continues to grow for years to come. If you are interested in exploring more of the options for green funerals, EnviroCitizen.org has many wonderful suggestions to help make this a memorable and beautiful experience for everyone involved.
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