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Environmentally Considered Funerals
Jones and Company is very much aware of the impact on the environment as a business. You’ve probably heard of the phrases ‘Eco Funerals’ or ‘Natural Burials’. What do these mean?
Firstly the word Eco is often perceived as Economy and not the true meaning of Environment conscious. There are many options today to reduce funeral costs if your meaning of Eco is the former. Simple caskets, limited paper notice, no added extras like catering, DVD recording, power point, flowers, service sheets can all have a bearing on total costs.
Environmentally conscious or considered funerals is the correct interpretation of Eco Funerals. This is a full awareness of our actions on the environment. The consideration of the carbon footprint produced to make the casket, to provide transportation, time involved in producing products of disposal, the effects of chemical usage on the immediate environment and its long term prognosis. All of these things come at a cost. The question is WHY?
To produce a casket that is unique in its construction using renewable resources, non toxic glues, low chemical usage, generally costs. They cost more to the retailer and subsequently to the client family. Embalming chemicals that are non formaldehyde based cost more and hence costs are all relative to what we do as funeral directors. Using hybrid vehicles and other forms of transportation have an impact as well.
In time these costs will reduce based on the volume produced, but like anything that is different from today’s norm, the costs are presently higher.
Natural burials are becoming more prevalent. They encompass the philosophy of the deceased returning to its natural elements uninhibited by preservation. The choice of casket or non casket is a determining factor. The depth of burial is another as natural processes occur faster at a shallower depth. Not all cemeteries accommodate this need and at present our local cemeteries do not.
There are limitations to this method of funeral as time is a governing element. Generally the time between death and funeral service is shorter due to the natural processes that accompanies death and there are other considerations in relation to viewings.
We at Jones and Company will accommodate any wishes by our client families. It is important to us as a company that people are able to express their farewells in any form they choose.
