Funerals

It is far more environmentally friendly to be buried than to be cremated, but 74% of us choose cremation (or in many cases have it chosen for us). Cremation takes a significant amount of energy, releases CO₂ into the atmosphere, and releases toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, hydrogen chloride, mercury, dioxins and furans. 15% (1,300kg)of airborne mercury emissions are from dental fillings, released during cremations. This figure will increase over coming years as the percentage of the population with mercury amalgam fillings die in larger numbers. A sobering thought in many ways.

Natural Burial Grounds

There are over 200 natural burial grounds in the UK, and the number continues to rise. The Association of Natural Burial Grounds provides a list of regulated sites, adhering to strict guidelines, including long term security for the graves, and for families to organise a funeral themselves, without a funeral director, if they wish.

Embalming

Most natural burial grounds will now allow the burial of embalmed bodies. Embalming is a process used to preserve the body, involving the addition of formaldehyde to the body. Although formaldehyde does biodegrade, it oxidises into formic acid, which pollutes the ground.

Memorials

Rather than a headstone, why not consider planting a tree, or donating a bench, in memory of a loved one?

Coffins

Apart from being much less wasteful in environmental terms, cardboard and chipboard coffins are much cheaper than wooden ones, starting from just over £50.

There are a number of suppliers. Try Ecocoffins , or Funeral Search .