Even if we are not conscious of it, we make many style choices for that inevitable day of permanent goodbye, whether it’s ours or a loved one’s. We choose colours for funeral dresses, a “style” for the coffin, colours for the floral arrangements and so on.
An emerging group of “death activists,” entrepreneurs and funeral services are now paving way for funerals that are both environmentally friendly and elegant.
Despite the seemingly macabre looks of eco-friendly deaths, this movement makes it easy for us to make our funerals cause the least impact on the environment by using the latest technology and scientific knowledge.
If you also want to make your final day environmentally- friendly, check out the following tips on how to do so.
When you go to the funeral home to choose a coffin, the funeral directors usually choose a wooden one for you. Whatever coffin you choose, make sure it’s completely biodegradable. Do not choose coffins with synthetic decorations like plastic flowers. If possible, avoid metal hinges and such things that take a long time to degrade underground.
Of course, choosing a wooden coffin is a problem in itself. A wooden coffin means a tree also dies along with you. You can solve this problem by seeking a coffin made from a dead tree—a task which the directors of the funeral home will be more than willing to undertake.
If you don’t want to choose wood at all, you can opt for an eco chic coffin like a decomposing pod where a tree is planted in memory of you. The people who help you choose a coffin can also help you out in this regard.
Don’t be buried wearing plastic-containing jewellery or accessories. Opt for a simple funeral gown or a suit and biodegradable jewellery that will easily become compost underground. Ask help from funeral homes in this regard also. Some will certainly specialize in environmentally friendly funerals.
Don’t Serve Beef at the Reception
Commercial agriculture takes a massive toll on the environment and contributes to global warming. So, stay true to your eco-chic spirit and serve organic foods at the reception that have the least amount of virtual water and fuel consumption. As a rule of thumb, don’t serve certain foods like beef and soybeans, the cultivation of which cause massive damage to the environment. Source ingredients from local organic farms to minimize the embedded carbon.
Choose Flowers Locally
Most funeral goers want to show their respect to the person who has passed away with flowers. Flower cultivation for commercial purposes cause soil erosion and waste a lot of water. Therefore, encourage funeral goers to get flowers to present from home gardens or local gardens. Don’t get flowers that are shipped from elsewhere.
If you don’t want a tree grown on your burial plot, you can try choosing an afterlife urn pot, which is similar to a small flower pot that holds your ashes to provide nutrition to a small growing plant.