Making Funerals Green at California Funeral Homes

Today, consumers on the West Coast and throughout the United States are more interested in the background, source and environmental effects of their purchases than ever before. This green interest pervades all industries, and California funeral homes are no exception. When making end-of-life choices at funeral homes, family and friends often want to know where products come from, how they were made and how the products will age. However, when navigating the choices funeral homes offer you based on environmental concerns, it's worth considering the environmental effects of all your choices, starting with burials versus cremations.

When considering green options, oftentimes California funeral homes highlight the choice between cremation and burial based on environmental criteria. Some onlookers suggest that cremation is greener than burial because cremation takes up less space; less space means that less land is used for burial and less maintenance is required. In addition, some funeral homes suggest that cremation requires fewer resources because an urn is so much smaller than a coffin. Further, when non-biodegradable caskets are buried, they may release environmental contaminants into the soil and groundwater. These contaminants can come from the casket, the accessories or even from the embalming fluid. However, the benefits of burial versus cremation are a hotly contested topic in funeral homes across North America. Indeed, those who support burial are quick to point out that when funeral homes perform cremation they are releasing contaminants into the atmosphere. These contaminants can include carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Funeral homes can make the case for both sides. No matter whether you choose cremation or burial, funeral homes offer green options for both choices.

Most funeral homes found in California offer a limited selection of in-stock caskets and coffins. Although funeral homes located in smaller areas may not carry environmentally-friendly options in stock, your local mortuary should be able to special order one for you. Funeral homes often have access to green options such as fully biodegradable caskets (which do not contain chemicals or chipboard and may even include wooden pins and hatches), caskets manufactured by wind power, designer cardboard coffins and caskets sourced from sustainable forests. Today, it is possible to purchase a wide variety of affordable specialty coffins to reflect all tastes. For example, designer cardboard coffins come in customizable designs, ranging from scenic settings to wild colors and imagery. American regulation provides a statute that suggests that funeral homes must use the coffin that is provided by the friends and family of the newly departed loved one if the family chooses to provide their own. So if you are interested in purchasing a green coffin but find that your local mortuary does not have the selection you are looking for, you are entitled to visit other funeral homes and end-of-life service providers to find the coffin of your choice.

When cremation is chosen as the eco-friendly option for your recently departed loved one in California, it is possible to choose from a wide selection of environmentally friendly urns and cremation containers which are a beautiful way to store and display the ashes. These options can include designer cardboard urns made from recycled materials and earth-friendly components to even urns made from bamboo, which is deemed a sustainable wood because it grows so quickly. Handcrafted urns can also be a green choice, especially if purchased by a local tradesperson or woodworker in your area. It is common for funeral homes in California to keep a larger selection of urns than caskets in stock due to the space restrictions and financial cost involved, and funeral homes often carry green options in stock. Be sure to ask about the earth-friendly options as far as storing cremains of our loved one.

If environmental concerns are important to you and your family, you may be interested in inquiring at funeral homes about green cemeteries. While standard cemeteries are well-manicured, fertilized and taken care of, green cemeteries offer a more pastoral setting, less cultivation, and they sometimes have more relaxed regulations regarding burial. However, there are few green cemeteries in North America. Contact funeral homes in California to find out whether this option is available to you and how you can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to send your loved one back as naturally as they came into the world.

When it comes to the choices made in funeral homes, no matter what the environmental benefits, it is important to consider the wishes of the family, and, most importantly, the wishes of the recently departed loved one. However, if it is unclear whether cremation or burial is the right choice, it may be appropriate for you to consider the environment when making decisions at funeral homes. To some, it may seem superfluous or distracting to consider the environment during or after the loss of a recently departed love one. However, for some a green funeral is very appropriate, especially if the environment was important to the recently departed.

Remember, we are here to help you all day, every day with your funeral and cremation needs. We're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact us, simply call 1-877-989-9090. At any time of day or night, you will be able to speak with one of our trained, sympathetic and understanding representatives.