Recycled sympathy cards by Whistlefish
The hard truth is that one day, all of us will die. But that does not mean that we have to continue to pollute the planet with hardwood coffins, formaldehyde from being embalmed (which leaks into the soil for decades) or wasting trees from umpteen sympathy cards to loved ones. But you also don’t have to be buried under a tree in a shroud either! Here are some alternative ideas for a zero-waste burial.
If sending plantable cards or planting memorial trees, see make your garden safe for pets to know ones to avoid near animal friends (like lilies). Yew and oak trees are toxic toxic to equines. Or simply pay to have a memorial tree planted in the Yorkshire Dales.
- The Natural Death Centre is a site packed with info on natural burials, with resources, a magazine and an annual handbook.
- The Green Burial Guidebook and Grave Matters are two good books on how to plan and hold an eco funeral – from home burials to sea burials to a simple shroud.
- The Bereavement Register stops people sending mail to dead relatives, which can be upsetting, as well as annoying.
- Donate wedding dresses to Cherished Gowns. Volunteer seamstresses unpick them, and turn them into free burial gowns, for angel babies.
Biodegradable Pet Caskets
- The Living Urn for Pets offers many options, to (temporarily) say goodbye. Paw Pods (US) were created by a man appalled, when the remains of his beloved dog turned up in a plastic bag. For all species and sizes, these biodegrade into the earth.
- Tree 2 My Door offers memorial trees for pets. See toxic plants to avoid near pets to ensure any trees or plants do not harm other animals in the garden.
