As people become more aware of our impact on the planet, searches for ‘green burial Victoria‘ are increasing each year. If your loved one was environmentally conscious in life, keeping their funeral green can be a great way to honour them and their principles as you say goodbye. There are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of a funeral, so let’s consider how a green funeral might look.
What to Expect from Green Funerals in Melbourne
Most people don’t view cremation as an eco-friendly choice due to the amount of energy used and the release of carbon dioxide. Direct cremation is viewed more favourably as no family members attend, which takes vehicle emissions out of the equation, and it requires slightly less energy. In some countries, electric cremators are being trialled, so in the future it may be that green funerals include cremation, but for now, it’s likely to be a burial.
To start with, eco-friendly funeral options don’t include embalming. This process involves hazardous chemicals that damage the environment. Embalming is done to preserve the body to allow for viewing and open caskets. If you decide against it, you can still see your loved one, but you’ll need to do so soon after their passing. There won’t be an open casket option at the funeral service, but caskets don’t tend to be available in sustainable options, so they aren’t generally part of eco-friendly funerals in Melbourne. If you want to celebrate the life of your loved one before burial, you can choose a coffin in biodegradable materials such as bamboo or cardboard. Once in the ground, these will gradually break down into the soil without damage to the environment. While wood also breaks down, it’s important not to choose one that’s varnished or lacquered, as these chemicals can harm the environment and prevent the biodegrading process.
If you’re going straight to a burial, your loved one can be wrapped in a shroud, so no coffin is needed. Green burials are available in several cemeteries and designated grounds. They are also possible on some private land, but the funeral home you work with can help you decide on an appropriate venue and ensure you have the relevant permits. Some cemeteries can provide tree pod burials where your loved one is buried in a pod with a sapling on top, and as the pod breaks down, the tree will sprout. This can be a lovely way to remember your loved one as you watch the tree grow, seeing how they left a legacy in the environment they loved.
Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Funeral
We’ve discussed the burial process, but there are a few other touches that can make a green funeral special. Having the service outside can help everyone attending feel more connected to nature and emphasise the importance of a green burial. Melbourne has some beautiful, peaceful surroundings to choose from. Natural funerals are flexible, so you could decide against a formal service and instead swap stories outside as you remember the person fondly.
Instead of a headstone, which often has a high carbon footprint due to importing, consider a tree or bush that you can visit, which will contribute to local wildlife. You could either forgo flowers or choose those in season to reduce the environmental impact. If you want to hold a memorial ceremony, consider blowing bubbles or floating boats made of seed paper down a stream rather than releasing balloons, as that is likely to leave plastic in the environment for a long time.
At Gardenia Funerals, we take pride in helping you create a personalised goodbye that leaves you with closure at a difficult time. Find out more about us here.