The environment and the climate crisis are very topical, with more people focussed on living as sustainably as possible. This trend has led to an increase in understanding options for “GREEN” funerals which may better consider the impact on the environment when saying goodbye. In this guide we’ll be unpacking what a “GREEN” funeral is and how to arrange one.
Depending upon your particular preference or environmental concern, there may be different choices you can make to personalise your funeral in order to take account of environmental factors.
Why choose a green burial?
Certain people may make “green” funeral choices over a traditional burial funeral service because they may wish to continue a more sustainable way of life after they have passed. If someone has been passionate about protecting the planet throughout their lifetime, they may prefer a natural or green burial.
Most people think that “Green” burials tend to take place in outdoor spaces like flower meadows or natural woodland. These scenic sites create a more pleasant atmosphere for a funeral service, and the simplicity of the surroundings allows the day to be focussed on celebrating your loved one. However, here in Queensland there are only a small number of cemeteries who allow for green burials.
What sustainable funeral options are there?
The options available to you will depend on the funeral provider and service locations you choose. The most common locations for “green” funerals tend to be:
- A natural or “green” funeral in a cemetery
- A natural or “green” funeral in a woodland. (When available)
- A natural or “green” funeral in your home or private land.
- (When this is permitted by the local Council)
Remember, you can make different choices for your funeral service, depending upon your particular environmental concern. From the preparation of the body and the coffin to the transport and clothes you wear on the day. Academy Funerals are able to accommodate your requests. We are there to discuss your arrangement plans and explore your options with you, so you can create the funeral your loved one would have wanted, whilst trying to take into account all of the environmental factors.
How do you arrange an “eco-friendly” funeral?
There is no standard industry definition of a “green” or “eco” funeral. All funerals will have an environmental impact to some extent, based on all the choices which have been made for the service.
Arranging a funeral can be overwhelming but with the right people around you, the process can be simple.
Much like a traditional funeral, you will work closely with the funeral director to discuss your plans for the service, and they will do their utmost to accommodate your requests. You should take time to explore your options.
Almost all natural burial grounds, will restrict what can and can’t happen. For example, some may prohibit headstones. That being said, as long as you follow the guidelines of your chosen burial ground (which are all centred around the conservation of the site), there may will be no problems.
What do natural or “green” funeral burials entail or prohibit?
A green funeral:
- Your woodlands burial site may have made certain commitments to councils and local residents in relation to conservation.
- You may not embalm the body as the chemicals are not environmentally friendly.
- Your woodlands burial site may prohibit certain grave types or permanent memorials, such as headstones, though you may be able to temporarily mark the grave with a wooden marker or plant a tree in their memory
- Nevertheless, some burial grounds will supply a Navigation fix location for the grave rather than any other marker.
IE: Latitude -27.317760. Longitude 153.034590.
This the exact place of the Bald Hills cemetery Situated in Barrett Street Bracken Ridge Queensland Australia
- You may not be able to tend to, or garden, the grave, because this is managed and maintained by the burial ground.
- You may choose a coffin that is biodegradable or made from certain materials which may be more sustainable.
- Alternately, you may be required to bury without a coffin. By just using a plank and untreated cotton material.
If visiting the exact location of your loved one’s resting place is particularly important to you, you should carefully consider if a woodland burial is right for you and your family.
It should also be remembered that even green burials will have some form of impact on the environment.
This will be in the way of:
A Energy to make the equipment to care for and transport your loved one.
B Fuel for the equipment to dig and refill the grave
D Fuel and equipment to maintain the grounds for many years after the burial.
E The use of your vehicle to get you to the funeral and for subsequent visits.
This blog has been written or reproduced to assist those people who hold Funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
*Image via Chatgpt
