The Most Sustainable Funeral Options in the UK
A Comprehensive Guide to Eco-Friendly Burials and Human Composting
As more and more people become environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable funeral options in the UK has grown exponentially. Today, we will explore a variety of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional funerals, highlighting their benefits, leading companies, and estimated costs. From natural burials to human composting, this guide has got you covered.
Natural Burials:
A natural burial is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional burial methods. In this process, the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and buried in a designated natural burial ground. The grounds are protected areas that encourage the growth of native plants and wildlife.
Benefits:
- Reduces environmental impact
- Preserves natural habitats
- Lowers carbon footprint
Companies offering natural burials:
Estimated Costs:
£800-£4,000 (depending on location and type of plot)
Green Cremation (Water Cremation or Resomation):
Green cremation, also known as water cremation or resomation, is a sustainable alternative to traditional cremation. The process uses an alkaline hydrolysis systemto dissolve the body in a water and alkali solution. The remaining liquid is sterile and can be safely returned to the water cycle, while the bones are ground into a fine powder, similar to cremated ashes.
Benefits:
- Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Uses less energy compared to traditional cremation
- Sterile byproduct can be safely returned to the water cycle
Leading Companies:
Rowley Regis Crematorium
Resomation Ltd
Estimated Costs:
£1,500-£2,500 (including basic funeral services)
Human Composting (Recomposition):
Human composting, also known as recomposition, is a relatively new and innovative method of body disposal. The process involves placing the body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over several weeks, microbial activity breaks down the body into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilise plants and trees.
Benefits:
- Reduces land use for burials
- Recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
Leading Companies:
Currently, human composting is not yet legally available in the UK. However, interest is growing, and it is expected that legislation will change in the near future to accommodate this sustainable option.
Estimated Costs:
Not applicable at this time, but costs in the United States range from $3,000-$5,000 (approximately £2,300-£3,800), which may give an indication of future UK pricing.
Promession (Freeze Drying):
Promession is an innovative process that involves freeze-drying the deceased body. The body is first frozen to -18°C and then subjected to vibrations, which break it down into a fine powder. The powder is then freeze-dried to remove any moisture before being placed in a biodegradable urn for burial.
Benefits:
- Reduces land use for burials
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- No harmful chemicals are used
Leading Companies:
Promession is not yet available in the UK, but the technology is being developed by the Swedish company Promessa Organic AB, and it may soon be introduced as a viable alternative for sustainable funerals.
Estimated Costs:
We don’t know. Future costs will depend on the availability of this service in the UK.
As environmental concerns continue to grow, the popularity of sustainable funeral options in the UK is on the rise. Natural burials, green cremations, and emerging technologies like human composting and promession offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional funeral practices. While some of these options are not yet legally available in the UK, the increasing demand for sustainable funeral services is likely to drive legislative changes in the near future.
Embracing sustainable funeral options not only eases our environmental impact, but also helps us honour the memory of our loved ones in a meaningful and eco-conscious manner. As we become more aware of our ecological footprint, these innovative methods pave the way for a greener future.
By choosing sustainable funeral options, we can contribute to preserving the planet for future generations, leaving a lasting and positive legacy in memory of our loved ones. As the availability of these options continues to expand in the UK, it is essential to stay informed and consider the environmental impact of our end-of-life choices.
Remember to consult with local funeral providers and stay up-to-date with the latest legislation to ensure you are making the most informed and eco-friendly decision for yourself or your loved one.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on sustainable funeral options, human composting, and eco-friendly burial practices in the UK.
Are you interested in a natural, more sustainable funeral?
Right now, human composting and terramation are not legal in the UK. But we want to change that. Add your voice to our Close the Circle campaign and help more people give back to the Earth at the end of life.
