Eco-funerals
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Eco-funerals *
Increasing concern for the planet is affecting the way we do funerals. At Attwoods we provide the widest range of options for a lighter carbon footprint than the traditional funeral.
Green burials in burial grounds that allow the land to go back to nature is one option, however you can have a cremation and still keep your carbon footprint down, it is harder, but it can be done.
We have used a home made shroud to cremate in and are happy to advise on how you can make, or have made, a fit for purpose shroud from some favourite fabric.
You can use a local florist who uses mainly locally grown flowers and greenery, you can even use flowers from your own garden and decorate the coffin or shroud the day of or the day before the funeral.
Coffin choices of locally grown willow and locally woven coffins are also an option. We have links to a grower and weaver in Leominster and although a little more expensive than the imported coffins it is reassuring to know that there are no air/sea miles involved and that you are contributing to the local economy.
You may wish to have a burial and service at one of the local(ish) burial grounds. We almost always use our own electric vehicle to transport the hearse.
We can also help you to arrange a burial on your own land which is perfectly legal provided a couple of location stipulations, how close to water for example, are met, and a burial record is kept.
As you can see the options are many and really only stop with your imagination. We can advise on how feasible your ideas are and we are always happy to listen, to enable and to facilitate your wishes.
If you are planning for yourself it’s always a good idea to think about options sooner rather than later.
What does a Green Burial involve?
Green, Natural and Woodland burials are all names for burial in a ground that will revert back to nature. Many people now want to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible in death. One way to do this is to avoid cremation and have a natural burial. In a natural burial ground only a small stone flush with the ground is permitted thus enabling the land to be used for grazing of animals or to be mown a couple of times a year to enable a wild flower meadow to thrive. Ideally the burial ground you choose will do minimal maintenance using fossil fuels. Some natural burial grounds encourage the planting of trees forming a woodland or an orchard using sheep to graze between to keep the grass in check.
A natural burial will require a biodegradable coffin, for example willow or cardboard and clothing should also be of natural fabrics. A shroud can be used instead of a coffin. Sometimes people like to have a shroud of a favourite patchwork quilt or woollen blanket. We have our own very special willow stretcher to enable carrying an enshrouded body to the grave with dignity.
There are several natural burials grounds within a 20 to 30 mile radius of Kidderminster click here to take a look: