We've put together some environmentally friendly ideas for you to consider.
Flowers tied with jute or raffia
Many floral tributes are made using a single use plastic wreath ring or letters spelling out a name. This plastic is filled with flora foam, which is made up of thousands of small plastic particles. It takes over 10 years for this foam to breakdown. It can also reach rivers and streams, contaminating the water with micro plastics. There is an alternative called Enviro Flora foam that breaks down in 2 to 3 year years. However, this also contains harmful micro plastics.
Consider asking your florist about traditional forms of floristry. Request bouquets tied with jute or raffia, all of which can easily be composted.
Sustainable timber coffins
Most coffins are made of veneered chipboard or MDF. Formaldehyde and other resins are used in the production of these. It is possible that these chemicals can also enter the watercourse.
There are alternative coffins available which are made from sustainable timber. These are less harmful to the environment. Speak to your funeral director if you want to consider these options.
Gravestones using UK stone
Across the UK, 90% of all cemetery grave and headstones use imported granite from either China or India. This creates a huge carbon transportation footprint. If UK sourced granite was used, that carbon footprint could be reduced by an estimated 500%.
To discuss UK quarried stone options, you can speak to:
- your funeral director
- the team at Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium