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Eco-Friendly Funerals: Embrace Green Practices in a Traditional Setting

Lydia Wilson04 mins

Sustainable Funeral Practices

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards eco-friendly funeral practices. This includes innovative methods such as natural burials, human composting, and the use of biodegradable materials. This article outlines various sustainable options that are gaining popularity among environmentally conscious families and individuals.

Green Burials

Green burials offer a unique alternative to traditional burial methods. New York-based Transcend is introducing a nature-friendly option where remains are buried on land undergoing reforestation, planting a tree of choice above the burial site. This not only memorializes the deceased but also contributes to environmental conservation.

New York-based Transcend is offering a new kind of green burial.
New York-based Transcend is offering a new kind of green burial. Customers will pay for their remains to be buried on land undergoing reforestation and a tree of their choice will be planted above their bodies.

Human Composting

Human composting is now legal in several states. This method involves placing human remains into a stainless steel container along with biodegradable materials, allowing for a natural breakdown over several weeks. The result is nutrient-rich soil that can support life, showcasing a profound connection between death and new growth.

Human composting is legal in a handful of US states.
Human composting is legal in a handful of US states, most recently New York. In Seattle, Recompose places human remains in a stainless steel container to decompose into roughly one cubic yard of soil.

Biodegradable Coffins and Urns

There is a growing demand for biodegradable coffins and urns made from sustainable materials. For instance, companies are creating coffins from recycled materials and compostable woods. Better Place Forests allows for the scattering of ashes at the base of a designated tree, transforming a traditional mourning ground into a living memorial.

Better Place Forests allows loved ones to scatter ashes at designated trees.
Better Place Forests owns a series of memorial forests in the US, allowing loved ones to scatter a mixture of cremated ashes and fertilizer at the foot of a designated tree.

Unique Innovations

Innovative companies are developing unique products like the “living cocoon” coffin created from mycelium, which degrades naturally and supports local ecosystems. These creative solutions signify a larger trend towards conscious, ecological choices in end-of-life planning.

This 'living cocoon' coffin is made from mycelium.
This “living cocoon” coffin, created by Dutch company Loop, is made from mycelium — fungal fibers that can be cultivated in a laboratory.

Conclusion

The trend towards sustainable funeral practices is not merely a passing phase but a significant movement towards honoring loved ones in a way that reflects our responsibility to the Earth. By opting for green burials, human composting, and biodegradable materials, we can unify our remembrance of the departed with a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.


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