With the growing awareness of environmental issues, more and more people these days are opting for a green or environmentally friendly funeral.
So what is meant by this? It is all about keeping things natural and reducing the impact on the environment.
In the main it would mean opting for a natural burial ground, an environmentally friendly coffin, such as English Willow, (not one that has been flown in from China), or the use of a Shroud, no embalming, locally sourced flowers, or no flowers at all.
You can go further use Electric Powered Vehicles of Horse and Carriage. However this does not mean that we cannot be considerate to the environment when arranging a traditional burial or cremation (within reason of course).
Natural burial grounds
There are currently around 200 natural burial sites across the UK ranging from those with wide open vistas to woodland glades. Many people like to think that they are returning to nature and are helping preserve the landscape and enhance opportunities for wildlife. In effect protecting the land from the living.
For the bereaved, natural burial grounds offer much, much more. A space to grieve, fresh air to invigorate themselves, the knowledge that they have given the person who has died the best place to rest in peace. It also relieves family of the burden of tending to a grave and offers a special place to visit in the heart of the countryside.
Natural burial grounds tend to accommodate a family’s wishes, be it a picnic, music, bringing pets, a marquee, or displays. The beauty and lasting legacy of a natural burial can usually be combined with whatever type of arrangements your families wish to make.
These days, funerals are becoming more personal occasions
This reflects the wishes, character and personality of the person concerned. Many people find great comfort in the tradition of a church ceremony ending with a committal at the natural burial ground; whilst others prefer something less conventional and frequently hold an open-air service at the burial ground (weather permitting).
Natural burial grounds only permit particular coffins those which are environmentally friendly, e.g. made from recycled materials, constructed from FSC sources of timber, made from renewable sources, locally sourced, and/or has biodegradable fittings.
There are a growing number of natural burial grounds here in the North East, each offer something different so if you are considering using one, best check it out while you can, plots can be purchased in advance and services held on site.
The Woodland Burial Trust
The Woodland Lodge, is situated just outside Durham City Centre on South Road (A177) County Durham, DH1 3TQ
enquiries@woodlandburialtrust.org.uk
http://www.woodlandburialtrust.org.uk
Telephone : 0191 370 9481
Seven Penny Meadows Green Field Burial Ground
Seven Penny Meadows is set in a four acre meadow in the village of Medomsley in County Durham.
info@sevenpennymeadows.co.uk
http://www.sevenpennymeadows.co.uk
Telephone : 0120 756 1229
Blue House Woodland Burial
The Blue House Woodland Burial site is located in 25 acres of woodland near the Hurworth Burn Reservoir
info@bluehousewoodlandburials.co.uk
http://www.bluehousewoodlandburials.co.uk
Telephone : 0191 372 3955