At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory, we are getting more and more questions about environmental friendly funerals, or “green” final services. These questions come from both the families of a recently passed loved one to those pre-planning for their own funerals.
Environmentally friendly funerals are proving to be more and more popular with aging baby-boomers. “Green” funerals come with a variety of choices. You don’t necessarily have to go to extremes to have an environmentally friendly funeral service. Choose the steps you are comfortable with. Here are some elements to consider when opting for a greener or more environmentally friendly funeral.
- Many will choose cremation over a traditional burial when considering environmentally friendly factors. While cremation is not 100% “green”, many view it as better than using embalming fluids and burying concrete and metal vaults that can use fossil fuels to make and transport.
- Green services will usually include the use of bio-degradable caskets and urns. There is a growing selection of these bio-degradable products that can be buried or deposited into ocean waters with little to no danger to the environment. Urns and caskets are being created out of an assortment of environmentally friendly materials. You should keep in mind that if you want to go to the extent of having a loved one buried without cremation or embalming fluids, the burial will have to take place quickly.
- Many advocates of green funerals encourage the use of recycled products for any post services banquet. Depending on how far you would like to go in selecting “green” options, some families will encourage car-pooling to services.
- Some planning a green funeral will offer more environmentally friendly options to sending flowers. Some families will request plants or greenery that can be replanted. Others may ask that a tree or some other living memorial be planted. Still others may request that donations to environmentally focused organizations be made in lieu of cut flowers.
- Technology is becoming a part of green funerals, with the availability of online expressions of sympathy and online memorial contributions.
As you can see, there are lot of choices to be made in planning a green, or at least, greener final services. That is why if you are pre-planning for your funeral, it is best to make these decisions as part of your plans. We will be honored to sit down with you and your family and discuss your choices.
At Fares J. Radel, we have over a 125 year history of helping families, in the Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky area, plan funerals that are loving and appropriate tributes. If you are looking for a funeral home to customize services to your desires or if you are considering environmentally friendly elements as part of a funeral, contact us. We have the experience and resources to assist you.
