We're wondering what we can do to protect the environment, and one of the most important steps we can take involves how we approach death. Planning an eco-friendly funeral can be a significant parting gift to the planet, but it can be challenging to know where to begin. From the most sustainable coffins to natural burials, here's our guide to planning an eco-friendly funeral. Funeral Homes in Belvidere IL are here to assist you in creating a funeral and burial plan that suits your specific requirements.

There are considerable ways to create a more environmentally-friendly funeral, and this can be a fantastic way to personalize a loved one's funeral.

Is it better for the environment to have a burial or a cremation?

There is no conclusive answer because it is dependent on several things. Both have an environmental impact but in different ways. Cremation consumes energy and emits CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. On the other hand, traditional burial consumes more land than cremation, and the chemicals used to embalm the dead may have long-term effects on the soil and waterways.

While typical burials and cremations aren't always the most environmentally friendly options, you can make decisions that reduce the environmental impact. And the good news is that it doesn't have to entail sacrificing how you want to say goodbye.

What exactly is an eco-funeral?

Eco-funerals also referred to as green funerals, are funerals that seek to minimize their environmental impact. Choices that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly are chosen over the materials and processes traditionally used in funerals.

Each aspect of the funeral-planning process now has a green alternative, and there are numerous alternatives open for those seeking a more sustainable approach. It's worth noting that while some people want their whole funeral to be 'green,' others will only choose one or two eco-friendly elements.

Make Arrangements for a Woodland Burial

If you must choose between cremation and burial, the latter is preferable for those concerned about climate change because cremations involve the use of fossil fuels. On the other hand, Woodland burials take place in designated woodland areas, and instead of a headstone, graves can be marked with a memorial tree or plaque.

Embalming Isn't Required.

How the body is embalmed is one of the environmental consequences of planning a funeral. Embalming chemicals can leach into groundwater and harm the environment; therefore, this stage is usually bypassed if you choose a green burial, and alternate procedures are employed instead.

Select a Long-Lasting Casket

You should also think about which coffin is the most environmentally friendly. Eco caskets, such as those made of biodegradable materials, decompose organically and have a lower environmental impact. They are an excellent choice for green burials or cremations, as they allow bodies to be returned to the earth without the use of toxic chemicals or containers, which helps conserve the environment.

Choose flowers and tributes that are appropriate for the season.

Whether you pick an environmental burial or a standard funeral, you can make green choices for the send-off. Choose local, seasonal flowers for flowers and tributes because they will be more readily available than non-seasonal ones that may accrue air miles.

Water cremation vs. traditional cremation - Resomation is a more modern cremation with a lower environmental impact. This is one option if you're set on cremation, but you want to be environmentally conscious.

Locally-sourced materials

Choose one funeral service site that is close to home to save money on gas and encourage mourners to carpool. As much as feasible, enlist the help of local businesses for the service. Locally sourced coffins, flowers, and catering are just a few examples of how to limit CO2 emissions. If you have the time, you might want to look into each company's ethical credentials.

Decide on how you'll dispose of your items.

Confer with other family members and friends to choose which manner of disposition best represents the person you're seeking to honor. You have a lot of possibilities, which allows for uniqueness and creativity, so look into all of them and figure out which approach is best for your service.

Reduction of Reception Waste

Unnecessary trash is frequently present at funeral rituals and celebrations. There are a few easy techniques to cut down on the amount of garbage generated before, throughout, and after the event.

Request transportation from friends to the service, hand over any written programs you don't think are required, distribute them as an electronic form instead, and seek to replace any plastic or single-use dishware from the reception with biodegradable alternatives.

You can also ask friends and relatives to bring food to the reception, which will help reduce waste from catering companies while also allowing your loved ones to show their support for you and your family by creating exquisite dishes in memory of the departed.

What other options do you have for making a funeral more ecologically friendly?

Even if a natural burial isn't for you, there are other, more modest ways to help.

Make it digital to save resources.

If you're planning a funeral, urging people to send important documents by email rather than printing them. Even if you prefer face-to-face meetings with funeral directors, you may be able to schedule them electronically to reduce the environmental impact of traveling to their site.

The wrapping up

Funeral rituals that embrace nature and connectedness with the earth can create a sense of serenity and togetherness, even if planning a farewell ceremony for loved ones can be extremely tough. Eco-friendly funeral options are one way to say goodbye to friends or family members while still witnessing something extraordinary grow in their honor. At Affordable Cremation and Burial, we're here to assist you in planning a funeral precisely the way you want it, anytime you need us. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about eco-friendly funerals or funeral arrangements.