Tips for a Greener Funeral

Today's society is more environmentally conscious than ever before. Recycling is commonplace and there's a "green" option for just about everything - including funerals. While death and funerals are always tricky topics, they are topics everyone must deal with at some point. For those who endeavor to live green lives, why not honor that by providing a green funeral, as well? The fact is, how remains are handled has a big impact on the environment. Consider that every year over 56 million people die worldwide. That means each year in India, 50 million trees are cut down for funeral pyres; in the U.K., up to 16 percent of mercury emissions are due to cremation; and in the U.S., 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete are buried. None of that is good news for the environment. Not only that, but it's been estimated that each year a million gallons of formaldehyde are buried via embalming. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and all that buried formaldehyde is destined to end up in water supplies. These are all alarming statistics but the good news is things can be changed for the better. Read on to discover how.

• Choose a green service provider. While green burials are not yet the norm, they are becoming increasingly commonplace. Providers such as those at

http://jhenrystuhr.com/ can provide a variety of options without the use of embalming fluids, concrete vaults or metal caskets. Some funeral homes partner with natural burial cemeteries so be sure to speak with your funeral director to find out and discuss what would be right for you.

• Make your intentions clear. Many funeral homes provide advance planning. Taking advantage of these services not only makes things a lot easier on your loved ones but it also helps to ensure your wishes will be carried out. Your chosen funeral home should be able to provide documents outlining your wishes but if not, you can always specify how you want your remains to be disposed of in your will.
• Opt for an eco-burial. In addition to avoiding practices and materials that are harmful to the environment, eco-burials involve transport and containers made with bio-degradable materials such as bamboo, banana leaf or even cardboard. The woodland burial movement that began in the U.K. is gaining popularity here in the U.S. Depending on state or local law, it may be possible to be buried in just a shroud. This allows your remains to decompose and become one with the earth in a very natural, eco-friendly way.
• Opt for cremation. At first blush, cremation might not seem like the most earth-friendly practice. After all, burning any material creates some form of pollution and cremation especially so, if the body contains any toxic substances such as mercury or formaldehyde. However, modern crematoriums have taken great strides in reducing harmful emissions, in many cases making the process more green than a traditional burial.
• Green your memorial. Even if the burial or cremation itself isn't specifically green, the memorial or funeral service can be. Choose recycled paper products for programs or hymn sheets, carpool to the service location (or bicycle or walk, if possible) and choose flowers from local, organic growers. Or, because growing cut flowers can be resource-intensive, skip them altogether and ask for donations to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Also consider using only food and beverages from locally sourced growers at the reception.

These tips will help ensure your funeral leaves a lighter environmental footprint.

About the Author: Beth A. Stevens is a funeral director and contributing writer who became a green burial proponent after attending a close friend's woodland burial. Beth enjoys helping people choose eco-friendly funeral options.

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