Embracing Plastic-Free Funerals

If you’ve visited a cemetery recently, you’ve probably noticed graves adorned with various tributes, including plastic-wrapped bouquets, plastic flowers, and plastic trinkets. These items, while heartfelt, don’t break down naturally. Instead, they linger in the environment for hundreds of years.

A plastic-free funeral is a beautiful and thoughtful way to celebrate life while caring for the planet. By using natural, biodegradable materials, you can create a meaningful farewell that reflects love for both the earth and your loved one.

How to Plan a Plastic-Free Funeral

You don’t need to compromise on meaningful tributes when planning a plastic-free funeral. Here are a few natural alternatives to consider:

Choose a Natural Coffin, Shroud or Urn

• Biodegradable Coffins: Select coffins made from materials like wicker, wood, or cardboard. These decompose naturally, leaving no harmful residues behind.
• Shrouds: Opt for shrouds made from organic cotton, linen, or wool. Simple and beautiful, they wrap your loved one in natural fibres that return to the earth.
• Eco-Friendly Urns: For cremation, choose urns made from paper, willow or wood. These break down naturally when buried or placed in water.

Read our coffins, shrouds and urns article for more information and inspiration

Avoid Plastic in Floral Arrangements

• Natural Flowers: Use fresh, locally sourced flowers free from plastic wraps, oasis, plastic frames and ribbons. You can even pick flowers or greenery from your own garden. These can decompose naturally or be scattered as petals.
• Living Tributes: Consider potted plants or trees as lasting memorials. These can be planted in memory of the person who has died. You can plant these in your garden, or check if this is allowed at your burial ground.

If you’d like to find an environmentally friendly florist, visit the Useful Contacts section of your nearest burial ground.

Opt for Natural Memorials

• Locally Sourced, Natural Memorial: Choose a memorial which is made from natural materials like slate, wood or local stone.

Rethink Funeral Details

• Digital Tributes: Create an online memorial page to share photos, stories, and condolences. This reduces the need for printed materials while still bringing people together.
• Reusable Décor: If decorations are part of the ceremony, choose reusable or biodegradable options, avoiding plastics like ribbons or banners.

Why Choose a Plastic-Free Funeral?

Environmental Impact

Plastic waste is a significant environmental issue, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and oceans every year. Traditional funerals often involve plastic in coffins, embalming fluids, floral arrangements, and memorial items. By opting for a plastic-free funeral, you help reduce pollution and promote sustainability.

Natural Decomposition

Biodegradable materials used in plastic-free funerals decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the earth and supporting the natural cycle of life.

Embrace Nature

For many, a plastic-free funeral is a way to celebrate the life of a loved one by emphasising their connection to nature. It aligns with the values of environmental stewardship and respect for the natural world.

Involving Family & Friends

Planning a plastic-free funeral involves communicating your wishes clearly to family and friends. Discuss the importance of environmental considerations and how they align with the values of the person. By involving them in the planning process, you can ensure a shared understanding and commitment to honouring their memory in an eco-friendly manner.