Ideas for Eco-Friendly Funerals

Funeral professionals can assist families in incorporating eco-friendly practices at every stage of the funeral planning process. From disposition to services, the cremation service in Ballwin, MO offers the following ways for funeral providers to help save the environment.

Cremation

While cremation is not the most environmentally friendly method of disposition, it does have several environmental advantages. Families who choose cremation frequently forego traditional caskets, which save resources such as wood, metal, and concrete, as well as the energy required to manufacture them. If the urn is kept at home or the ashes are spread on private property, cremation often takes up less space in a cemetery, if any at all.

Another environmental benefit of cremation is the elimination of embalming chemicals. The purpose of embalming is to preserve the body for viewing by relatives. If you choose cremation over a traditional funeral and burial, you can avoid the use of embalming chemicals. Many harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, are used in the embalming process. Formaldehyde pollutes both land and water when it leaks into the environment. Formaldehyde has long-term effects on plants and animals.

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Instead of a crematory, this cremation alternative uses chemicals to decompose remains. This process reduces the gas emissions produced by cremation, making it more environmentally friendly than its counterpart. Unfortunately, alkaline hydrolysis machines are prohibitively expensive, and the practice is not yet legal in many states.

Biodegradable Urns

Several casket and urn companies have developed biodegradable urns that degrade quickly after burial. These items are frequently pre-filled with seeds that will eventually grow into flowers, trees, or other plants. The remains of a loved one then help the plant grow and become part of the root system.

Artificial Reefs

Funeral directors can suggest that the remains of a loved one who enjoys the ocean be turned into an artificial reef. These reefs not only help to restore natural coral reef destruction caused by pollution, climate change, and coastal development, but they also provide homes for local sea life.

Paper That Has Been Recycled

Many funeral services include printed materials such as guest books and programs. Families can help save trees by using recycled paper whenever possible or opting for alternatives such as a digital guestbook.

Vegan or Vegetarian Receptions

Meat production has a significant environmental impact. Making post-funeral or visitation receptions vegetarian or vegan will help families reduce their carbon footprint while also providing options for dietary restrictions.

Other Gifts Instead of Flowers

Cut flowers are frequently associated with high carbon emissions. To reduce your carbon footprint, funeral professionals may advise families to request something instead of flowers, such as a donation to a charitable cause important to the deceased.

Families must communicate their desire for a green or eco-friendly funeral to others. That is why preplanning can help alleviate the burden on families and ensure that their wishes are met at the end of life. This is something that the cremation service in Ballwin, MO can assist you with. Please do not hesitate to visit our office or call our team right away to schedule an appointment.