Many people are unaware of how much a funeral costs and also that they are able to purchase an eco friendly coffin if the funeral is not in a package. Some funeral directors who operate package funerals allow the coffin to be changed, but there is often no reduction in fees if a cheaper coffin is selected such as cardboard as the low-cost is an all in package.
Having said this it does no harm to ask if someone particularly wanted to use a cardboard coffin or decorate a coffin with paints. You are advised to use water based paints for cremation purposes.
Key takeaways
- Eco-friendly coffins and caskets decay quickly when buried.
- These types of coffins are kinder to the environment.
- Eco-friendly coffins come in many different types.
- Natural burial sites only accept eco-friendly biodegradable coffins.
Table of contents
In history people have tried to find a way to keep the body of their loved ones in the best condition and, for this, different types of coffins are used. Although they can be confused and are usually talked about interchangeably, there can be a great difference between coffins.
The common characteristic is that both have the utility of introducing the deceased for burial or cremation. The question of whether environmentally friendly coffins are possible has been asked for some time now. The answer, fortunately, is yes!
This post will explore why this is the case and the many benefits of utilising an eco friendly coffin, and an explanation of what is not eco friendly. Links contained within the post will enable you to learn more and purchase an eco friendly coffin.
Coffin differences
- Shape: In general coffins have a hexagonal shape, they end in a point and the lower area, where the feet are located, is narrower than the upper area, intended for the shoulders. This style of coffin is often referred to as a “Toe-Pinch” coffin. Some coffins are however completely rectangular.
- The lid: The entire lid, which is used only to introduce the deceased, is typical of many coffins, while some lids have a lid divided into two whose upper part can be opened so that the relatives can see the deceased.
- The materials: Although wood is the most widely used material in different designs, there are cardboard, wool, wicker, bamboo, metal or fibreglass options for the coffin, these normally have padded linings. Obviously metal and fibreglass are not environmentally friendly options as they do not rot for many years and can last in excess of a hundred years in certain soil conditions.
Pine eco friendly coffins
If you are looking for a coffin that provides dignity and eco friendly coffin solutions; then you could consider handcrafted coffins from solid pine wood.
All the coffins and caskets in the four images below are made from timber from sustainable forests, and are constructed using pegs and dowels. They do not contain screws, nails or anything non degradable. These coffins are handmade, environmentally friendly, and are available from Feet First Coffins. This independent company works with you to meet your needs, with design tweaks and modifications possible. You can be sure that you will be able to obtain quality. and personalised options. Handmade construction will generally increase the cost of a coffin.
Above images are copyright and courtesy of Feet First Coffins
Elegant alternative coffins – but not eco friendly
A non eco friendly coffin would be constructed with screws and handles made of chipboard and covered with a wood venner, or be a metal or plastic coffin. The coffin shown below uses brass handles. The timber may also not be sourced from a sustainable forest. The most popular non eco friendly coffins in the UK are chipboard veenered “wood effect” coffins. The main reason for this is the lower cost of these veenered coffins.
Understanding the differences
At the time of the death of a family member, it is important for some people to know how to choose the right coffin. To do this, we must know the differences between coffins, especially in materials as there are different types of coffin.
Coffin certificate
You will normally need to purchase a coffin which is FFMA (Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers Association) approved for cremations. As well as cremation the coffin is also tested for other reasons. This includes holding a certain weight and not distorting. This is important for burials as well as cremations.
Biodegradable construction
An eco friendly coffin has biodegradable construction, which is a good choice for the environment. There are no screws, nails, metal hinges, or heavy chemical-based glues, plywood, synthetic materials, or other hardware such as metal or plastic handles. This means that it is a perfect solution for those wanting an eco friendly coffin.
Benefits of choosing an eco friendly coffin
The main benefit is that an eco friendly coffin is kinder to the environment. The other point to consider is whether you are looking for a burial or cremation coffin. In general, eco friendly coffins for cremation are made from lighter more combustible materials such as cardboard or wicker. Coffins for burial are generally made from heavier solid wood. For both burial and cremation, cardboard coffins are a popular choice for those looking to make an environmentally friendly decision when planning the funeral of a loved one.
Cardboard is recyclable and biodegradable, which means it’s safe for the environment. In addition, the coffin can be decorated with paint, making them a beautiful coffin for either burial or cremation. It is important to check when purchasing a cardboard coffin that it is not lined with a waterproof sealer, as these will not be accepted at a natural burial site, and likewise will not be biodegradable.
What to think about when choosing a coffin
Although there are many benefits to choosing an eco friendly coffin, it’s important to consider a few factors when making your decision. Some services, such as woodland/natural burials, require biodegradable coffins. However, there are many eco friendly coffin burial solutions available which are discussed with links further on in this article.
Secondly, you should consider what kind of coffin will best represent your loved one and how this fits in with their life choices, including any environmental causes they may have championed. For example, if your loved one was an avid recycler and environmental campaigner, then a green-themed coffin may be ideal for their funeral service. Finally, it would be best if you decided what price range is most appropriate.
Eco friendly coffin suppliers which are listed lower in this post and are available with varying costs. It’s important not to rush into a decision and choose the first coffin that comes to hand as it may not be the most eco friendly option available. In this case, it’s best to talk through your options with a low-cost funeral director who can help you find something which will represent your loved one perfectly while still fitting within your budget.
What makes biodegradable coffins important?
The biodegradable materials used in green eco friendly coffins means the coffin will begin to decompose naturally after burial, with no chemical leakage meaning it will not pose a risk to wildlife and other environmental factors. This is important as many people want their final resting place to be safe for animals and future generations, which is not always possible with traditional non-biodegradable coffins. These coffins also do not pollute the soil by using metal or plastic handles, or screws in the construction.
What materials are eco friendly coffins made of?
Natural wood
There are a number of different materials that an eco-friendly coffin can be made from, with each having its own benefits and drawbacks. The most popular choice as already mentioned is wood, which is easy to work with and durable. However, it’s important to ensure your coffin is sourced from sustainable sources, so you don’t contribute to deforestation or contribute to a loss of natural habitat.
Cardboard
Cardboard coffins are the cheapest coffin available and have become more popular over the years. However, it should be pointed out that environmentally friendly burial sites such as “Green” burial sites do not often allow cardboard coffins as the inside of the coffin is often sealed with a chemical sealer which is not environmentally friendly. Sometimes the outside of a cardboard coffin can have a plastic finish, which again is not environmentally friendly. They are of course far better in terms of actually being cremated, as they use around 60% less energy to burn than wood. A common question that is asked is what is the most eco friendly coffin for cremation? The answer is that cardboard or wicker/wool is.
Wicker/Willow/Wool
These hand-made coffins have become more popular, and are made from natural materials such as willow reed. For more information on willow coffins and wicker coffins click the links. Willow and wicker coffins are accepted at natural burial sites.
On a very similar theme coffins can also be made from:
- Banana leaves Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director
- Pandanus leaves
- Cane Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director
- Seagrass Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director
- Bamboo
- Wool Not supplied to the public – ask your funeral director to purchase through JC Atkinson Tel: 0191 415 1516
The term Wicker generally refers to Willow, Rattan, Reed and Bamboo. Rattan is generally grown in Southeast Asia, while the others can be grown in England.
When you’re looking for an undertaker to handle the arrangements of your loved one, you could ask if they can use an eco friendly coffin. This can reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions.
Biodegradable coffin construction
There’s more than one way to celebrate life with a unique coffin; eco friendly burials aren’t just about green material choices anymore. It also means leaving behind nothing but your loved ones’ memories for future generations on earth.
Once biodegradable coffins are buried within the earth, organic materials will begin to decompose and convert into compost. This leaves nothing but beauty behind while emitting no harmful toxins during the entire time-consuming journey.
Some manufacturers ensure that all the wood comes from sustainable sources, which helps reduce deforestation and protect valuable habitats and provide habitat for wildlife where possible. This means every last bit of our carbon footprint gets recycled naturally.
Conclusion
Biodegradable materials are fully functional in any available soil type, including sand, gravel and extremely wet regions. This is also one of the greatest advantages of utilising an eco friendly coffin – once the coffin has done its job, it will break down and return into the soil without harming the ecosystem in any way.
Whatever coffin you choose or the deceased wanted it is always advisable to buy direct rather than through an undertaker. Most coffin suppliers can arrange to have the coffin delivered directly to the undertaker, or your home address if you or family members wish to decorate it.
