Allowing For Environmentally Friendly Funeral Options - Pre Plan Your Funeral

Sustainability in modern funeral planning

Sustainability and environmental consciousness have become integral to various aspects of life. Funeral planning is no exception. Many cultures across the world practice different types of sustainable and green burials and funerals. Now, with the awareness about environment-friendly procedures increasing, many modern funerals are also incorporating sustainable practices and eco-friendly measures.

If you are keen on your commitment to sustainability, green funeral planning may be the way to go. What’s more, with funeral pre-planning, you can ensure that you have the freedom to plan your own funeral on your terms.

Choosing environment-friendly funeral options with a pre-planned funeral

Pre-planning a funeral can indeed provide an opportunity to explore environmentally friendly funeral options and align with your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Here are some ways in which you can make arrangements in advance to allow for environmentally friendly funeral planning.

• Choose a green burial: Opt for a green burial, which involves interring the body in a natural setting without embalming or using non-biodegradable materials. Select a cemetery or burial ground that allows for eco-friendly practices and promotes conservation efforts. Research local options and discuss your preferences with a funeral planner.
• Use biodegradable caskets or shrouds: You could also pre-plan a casket that is biodegradable, or use a shroud made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, wicker, or biodegradable cardboard. These materials break down naturally over time, minimizing the impact on the environment.
• Consider natural burial pods or urns: This is another way in which a pre-planned funeral supports sustainability. It gives you the time needed to explore innovative options like burial pods or biodegradable urns. Burial pods are organic burial containers that nurture the growth of a tree or plant. Biodegradable urns are made from materials like recycled paper, salt or plant fibers and dissolve naturally when buried or placed in water.
• Choose an eco-friendly cremation: If cremation is your preferred choice, you can plan in advance and opt for eco-friendly cremation methods. Some modern funeral homes offer water-based or alkaline hydrolysis cremation, which uses less energy and emits fewer pollutants compared to traditional flame-based cremation.
• Offset carbon emissions: Carbon emissions are becoming a big point of contention across the world. To ensure that your commitment to environment-friendly funeral planning is upheld, you can calculate the carbon emissions associated with your funeral services, including transportation, energy use, and cremation. You can reduce this carbon footprint as much as possible and even consider investing in reputable carbon offset programs to offset the environmental impact of your funeral.
• Encourage sustainable transportation: Another major aspect of green funeral planning is arranging for sustainable transportation options for the funeral procession. You can even ask your loved ones to encourage attendees to carpool or use electric or hybrid vehicles. This reduces carbon emissions and promotes eco-friendly transportation practices.
• Opt for digital invitations and programs: This is another measure to further reduce the adverse impact of your final ceremony on the environment and make your funeral sustainable. Instead of printing paper invitations and funeral programs, consider using digital versions. Online invitations and digital programs can save resources and reduce waste.
• Choose sustainable floral arrangements: Even something as minor as the floral arrangements in your funeral can have an impact on the environment. Select locally sourced, organic, or fair-trade flowers for funeral arrangements. Avoid using floral foam, which is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. Also, after the funeral, you can ask your family to donate the flowers to a local hospital or nursing home.
• Support green funeral homes: When you plan your own funeral, look for funeral homes that prioritize eco-friendly practices and sustainability. These establishments may use renewable energy, recycle materials, or offer alternative funeral options aligned with environmental values.
• Donate to environmental causes: Instead of traditional funeral flowers or gifts, you can request that the mourners donate to environmental charities or organizations in your memory. This supports your sustainability efforts and leaves a positive legacy behind. 

Small steps can make a large difference 

With so many environmentally friendly funeral options available today, it is easier to plan for a green funeral in advance. When you are pre-planning a sustainable funeral, ensure that you keep track of the funeral costs and how they align with your budget. It is advisable to get the biggest expenses locked in first, so you can remain unaffected by inflation.

For instance, if you opt for a sustainable burial, you can pre-order a casket that is eco-friendly from Titan Casket. We offer over 1,000 casket options on our website, and give you the option to pay for the casket of your choice upfront or through easy installments. What’s more, you can even get great discounts from the funeral home and save on funeral costs while still having a sustainable ceremony.