If you have been in the unfortunate situation where you’ve had to arrange a loved one’s funeral, then you may have come across the term ‘eco-burial’ and wondered what it was, or perhaps you’ve never even heard of it before!
Eco-burials are meant to be a more environmentally friendly form of burial and have grown significantly in popularity over recent years. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about eco-burials and why so many people are requesting them.
What’s Involved in Eco-Burials?
Eco-burials are planned and executed to minimise any harm to the environment by remaining as natural and non-intrusive as possible. There are a number of sustainable practices that this involves in order to consider a burial as being green – we’ve listed some below.
Eco Coffins
Rather than using coffins that are made with steel components and treated hardwood, which can take decades to degrade, eco coffins are made using completely natural materials that are biodegradable so as not to damage the earth they are buried in through the release of harmful toxins.
Green coffins may be made of soft wood, wicker or even cardboard, all of which will have been grown and harvested sustainably, also.
Some people even wish to simply be shrouded (in natural fabrics) and forgo a coffin all together.
No Embalming
Embalming is the process in which a body is preserved for as long as possible using chemical treatment, typically to allow people longer to arrange a funeral. However, once buried, these chemicals will leach into the ground and are toxic for the environment, harming the earth they seep into.
Eco-burials skip the embalming process and the body is instead preserved naturally, whilst the funeral may be arranged to take place sooner.
Considerate Burial
During eco-burials, the body and/or coffin is usually buried higher up in the ground than it would be in a traditional burial, this is to disturb as little soil as possible.
Eco-burials will also typically take place at green burial sites. These are dedicated sites to eco-burials, rather than traditional cemeteries that may be stricter in their burial requirements.
Why are They Popular?
The importance of and need for sustainable practices in our everyday lives has increasingly become an issue of great concern over the past few years especially, given the growing effect climate change is having on the planet.
This is one of the reasons why people are deciding to be more environmentally conscious in the event of their death, as eco-burials are a great way to minimise your negative impact on the environment whilst still allowing for a heartfelt and touching memorial service for your family and friends to say their goodbyes.
For those who have especially lived their life in accordance with a green philosophy, an eco-burial is a great way to pay tribute to them and their lifestyle, if they have not requested one already.
Green Funerals in Wakefield
If you are looking to plan an eco-burial for your lost loved-one, Normington & Sons facilitates eco-burials in Wakefield, Pontefract and Barnsley.
Because we understand the importance of arranging such a burial service promptly, to avoid the need for embalming and to respect the green wishes of our customers, our staff are available 24 hours a day to offer impartial advice on planning such a service.
Get in touch with us today with your enquiries.
