7 tips for arranging a funeral for someone who cared about the environment

You may be reading this because you are arranging a funeral for someone who was passionate about the environment, or perhaps you are considering more sustainable choices for your own funeral. Sustainability is a wide-ranging topic and one we are continually exploring and learning more about, to help make these decisions clearer and more accessible in the future.

We are currently involved in research aimed at providing better data to support informed, environmentally conscious funeral choices.

In this article, we’ve highlighted 7 key areas to consider when planning a funeral with a lower environmental impact. There are many other factors worth exploring, and our team would always be happy to talk through ideas or answer any questions around funeral sustainability.

Choose not to be embalmed

Natural and woodland burials often require the person to remain unembalmed. This is because embalming fluids can enter the soil and groundwater, potentially causing environmental harm. For those wanting a more eco-conscious funeral, it can be helpful to record a preference not to be embalmed.

Think carefully about funeral travel

At Full Circle Funerals we have our own fully electric eco hearse, which has become a popular choice for families looking to reduce environmental impact. Ideally, attendees might walk, cycle or use public transport where possible, although this will depend on accessibility and individual circumstances. Sharing transport information and encouraging car sharing can make a meaningful difference. Since the pandemic, livestreaming funerals has also become more accepted and may be a suitable option for those travelling long distances. At the same time, attending in person can play an important role in grief and remembrance, and those choices should always be respected.

Consider alternatives to cremation

Cremation remains the most common funeral choice in the UK, but it carries a significant environmental impact because of the energy required and the use of fossil fuels. There are, however, alternative options becoming more widely discussed. Woodland burial grounds offer a more natural setting, often with graves marked by tree planting rather than traditional memorials. Human composting and resomation (water cremation) are additional lower-impact options currently available in some parts of the US. Interest in these alternatives is growing within the UK, so this is an area likely to develop further in the coming years.

Explore eco-friendly coffins and caskets

We recently completed a successful Crowdfunder campaign to support research into the environmental impact of different coffin materials. This work, now being undertaken by Planet Mark, will compare ten commonly used coffin types across different funeral methods, including cremation and burial. The aim is to help people make more informed choices in future. In the meantime, biodegradable options such as wicker, bamboo and cardboard coffins remain popular environmentally friendly alternatives. As with all products, sustainability can vary depending on sourcing and manufacturing, so we are always happy to help families understand the options available.

Choose thoughtful flowers and tributes

Many families now ask for charitable donations instead of floral tributes. If flowers are preferred, locally grown and seasonal blooms are often the most sustainable choice. Growers can be found through Flowers from the Farm, or your florist may be able to source local flowers for you. Other meaningful ideas include handmade wreaths, paper flowers or decorations created by family and friends.

Create a living memorial

For those wanting a more environmentally conscious memorial, planting a tree or creating a wildflower meadow can feel like a meaningful alternative to a traditional headstone or memorial bench.

Thinking beyond the funeral

Travel can continue to contribute to environmental impact long after the funeral itself, especially when loved ones regularly journey long distances to visit a graveside or memorial site. Ongoing rituals of remembrance are incredibly important, but there may be ways to create meaningful memorials closer to home. A memorial rose bush, birdbath or tree in a family garden, or a bench in a nearby park, can become a beautiful place for reflection and remembrance.

If you would like to learn more about environmentally conscious funerals, please feel free to get in touch with our funeral partners, by either popping into your local Full Circle branch in Harrogate, or calling them on 01423 740 799.