In a world increasingly conscious of environmental sustainability, even the way we say our final goodbyes is undergoing a transformative shift.
Eco-friendly funerals, also known as green or nature funerals, refers to life celebrations designed and conducted with the intention of minimising the negative impact on the environment. A growing movement towards eco-friendly funerals is emerging, encouraged by companies like Picaluna Funerals, who are committed to supporting green initiatives for more sustainable farewells. In this blog, we’ll delve into the concept of eco-friendly funerals and explore the available green offerings Picaluna Funerals is championing.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Funerals
To understand the green options, it’s essential to realise the environmental implications of conventional funeral practices. Traditional funeral practices often involve a significant environmental footprint, from embalming fluids, which utilises toxic chemicals that can seep into the soil and groundwater, to non-biodegradable coffins and tombstones which further contribute to resource consumption and pollution. Additionally, the energy-intensive cremation process can release significant carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Picaluna Funeral Services, a forward-thinking funeral service provider, supportssustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly funeral options from natural burials to biodegradable coffins, providing environmentally responsible, non-traditional funeral services that honour the departed whilst caring for the Earth.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Funerals
As people become more conscious of their ecological footprint, families and individuals are increasingly seeking funeral services that align with their environmental values, striving to ensure that the final journey of their loved ones is both meaningful and sustainable. Picaluna recognises this evolving demand and supports eco-friendly funerals that embody a deeper connection with nature and the environment incorporating eco-conscious practices into many aspects of their funeral services.
Biodegradable Coffins and Caskets
Picaluna offers an array of biodegradable coffin options, each crafted from materials that align with sustainability principles and are Fair Trade made. Families can choose from wicker, bamboo, and cardboard coffins, ensuring a final resting place that is in harmony with the environment. These eco-conscious options not only reduce the environmental impact but also serve as a beautiful symbol of the circle of life, honouring the departed’s memory while being held in the earth they loved.
Cremation with Environmental Responsibility
For those who prefer cremation, Picaluna funeral directors will work to source the best outcome. Ashes can be scattered in many varied locations serving to reflect the life of the deceased. Some families choose to bury the remains and plant a tree as a symbol of life and as a long-term memory. Eco-urns are an option, fully biodegradable and feature a receptacle at the bottom for the cremated remains and a space at the top for a growth medium potting mix where the seed can be planted for a tree.
Natural Burials: Returning to the Earth
Picaluna supports eco-friendly options in natural burials. In contrast to traditional burial practices that can sometimes involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable coffins, natural burials promote a more harmonious return of the body to the Earth. The deceased is laid to rest in a biodegradable coffin or shroud (depending on State and location), allowing nature to take its course in decomposition, depending on the burial depth. Picaluna assists families in finding serene and eco-friendly burialgrounds where the final resting place blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Green Memorial Services
Picaluna’s embrace of sustainability extends to memorial services. They actively encourage families to choose outdoor funerals, eco-conscious venues, such as parks, gardens, or community centres with sustainable practices. Additionally, Picaluna provides eco-friendly stationery options for the memorial service, using recycled paper and vegetable-based inks, further reducing the environmental impact.
Virtual funerals
Picaluna Funerals recognise the need for sustainability and the needs of modern-day clients who express concerns about the environment and their global footprint. Virtual memorials align with the values of sustainability, these memorials reduce the need for lengthy travel by families who fly and drive great distances to attend the ceremony. The use of local funeral celebrants and other suppliers also contributes to the reduction of our carbon footprint.
Green Floral Arrangements
Picaluna funerals takes eco-friendly practices to heart by considering every detail of the funeral process. Their floral arrangements predominantly consist of locally sourced seasonal flowers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported blooms. Funeral arrangers may suggest that the family consider picking wildflowers or flowers from grandma’s garden to lay on her coffin instead of hot house grown commercial flowers. Many options are available!
Legacy Tree Planting Program
As a testament to their dedication to the environment, Picaluna has been in conversation for many years with the innovative developments of Living Legacy Forest, a Legacy Tree Planting Program. For every eco-friendly funeral they conduct, they pledge to plant a tree in a dedicated area, creating a lasting green legacy in memory of the departed. This initiative not only contributes to reforestation efforts but also stands as a beautiful symbol of life’s continuity and growth.
Personalised Eco-Friendly Farewells
Picaluna’s flexible offerings extends beyond materials and practices—it’s about crafting individualised farewells that are not only environmentally respectful but also deeply meaningful. Families can incorporate biodegradable decorations, natural elements, and eco-friendly rituals to honour their loved ones.
Benefits Beyond the Environment
Eco-friendly funerals offer benefits beyond environmental sustainability. These alternative practices foster a sense of connection to nature and emphasise the cycle of life and death. Families find solace in knowing that their loved ones are laid to rest in a way that respects the ecosystem and future generations.
Other Eco-options
Water-based cremation is becoming more popular and can be sourced as an option. This process uses water and alkali to break down the body, emitting fewer greenhouse gases than traditional cremation methods.
Human organic reduction or human composting was reported by The New Daily and is being considered by some as a simple alternative which speeds up the decomposition process, in a controlled environment. It is not yet available in Australia however is promoted as a greener practice than burial or cremation. Picaluna Funerals will be watching this space closely. https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2023/01/05/human-composting-environment-concerns/
Time
Eco-friendly funerals are not just a passing trend; they represent a profound shift in how we approach life’s final chapter. Picaluna Funerals’ dedication to green initiatives for sustainable farewells embody the potential for harmony between honouring loved ones and protecting the planet.
During the grieving process we support the process of keeping your loved one at home for an extended period. Picaluna funeral services can organise the delivery of a cooling bed to allow the family and loved ones to say goodbye in a comfortable time frame; and although this is not a particularly a green initiative, we feel that allowing the family comfortable time to grieve, post death and on the day of the funeral, is a privilege and part of our sustainable, respectful offering. Choosing an eco-friendly farewell is a powerful way to leave a positive legacy that echoes for generations to come.
Raising Awareness and Changing Perspectives
Picaluna Funerals, through its support of green initiatives, is not only encouragingeco-friendly options but also raising awareness and changing perspectives about end-of-life ceremonies. By encouraging conversations about sustainable farewells, Picaluna is contributing to a larger cultural shift towards more mindful and environmentally conscious practices.
Conclusion
Death is an inevitable part of life, and as we navigate the complexities of modern living, the impact of our choices extends beyond our lifetimes. With the growing concern for the environment and sustainable practices, it’s only natural that our approach to end-of-life rituals has evolved. These green initiatives not only honour the deceased but also contribute to the planet’s well-being.
At Picaluna Funerals we strive to deliver the best possible experience in each person’s unique circumstance. We work closely in partnership with families to co-create meaningful cremations, burials, memorials, home vigils, life celebration funerals and funeral ceremonies. We offer support and deliver the client an experience mindful of time and ease.
Picaluna Funerals are responding to societal demands and are committed to supporting funerals that celebrate life while nurturing the Earth. Their commitment to encouraging meaningful and sustainable farewells is an example of the positive impact that businesses can make while stepping towards a greener and more sustainable future for the funeral industry.
