PRESS INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF ALLIED AND INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS 

A Greener Way Of Going

For some people the final farewell that is a funeral is a big occasion where no expense is spared, no luxury ignored and no cost considered too great. However, for others who have lived a more environmentally considerate life, perhaps a more fitting final departure from this mortal coil would be one of minimal impact on the planet.

In the past the idea of forgoing conventional pomp or circumstance might have been considered at best eccentric, or at worst, the mark of a pauper. Yet today, a greater willingness to choose a more personal form of funeral, according to the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral directors (SAIF) means that green is now seen as being just as good as traditional black.
 
Alun Tucker, SAIF's CEO, explains, "For some, a green funeral can mean the simple substitution of a more environmentally friendly casket made from biodegradable polymer, sustainably farmed willow, cardboard or even compressed wool. For others, it can mean specifically asking for burial as opposed to cremation, which involves the burning of non-renewable fossil fuels, and the release of unwanted CO2 and mercury compound emissions into the atmosphere. Though here, a new process called Resomation may address some of these issues, when - and if it - this comes into operation.

"Our National Bereavement Awareness Week initiative during September, intends to give people the chance to explore some of these greener options with participating SAIF funeral directors. Particularly with regard to the more widespread availability of woodland burial grounds, both on managed estates and as secluded sections within municipal cemeteries."

The woodland burial offers a place of peace and tranquility, where trees can be planted in memory of the departed, placing new life back into the environment, even as another's has come to its close. Funeral rites secular or religious, can draw both dignity and a sense of freedom of spirit from being conducted in such close proximity to the natural world. Here, whether for burial or merely the interment of cremated remains, there is never any concern about the maintenance of headstones or grave markers, and the family can rest assured that their loved one will rest in the company of like-minded individuals.
 
Alun Tucker continues, "Most SAIF members have long histories of serving their local communities, and as a result already have experience of arranging respectful burial away from readily accessible churchyards or paved cemetery driveways. Whether this means providing additional relays of bearers, or the specialist advice in instances where the location is on land where no prior interments have taken place"

National Bereavement Awareness Week runs from the 21st to 26th September 2009, when SAIF members up and down the country will open their doors to the public to foster a greater awareness of the services which they can provide, and help relieve the British taboo on death.

Ends

Image caption: "Woodland Burial Parks' site at Colney, Norwich: one of the emerging green funeral alternatives."

Note:

More images and further information at: http://www.aardvarkpr.co.uk/downloads.htm
A full list of SAIF funeral directors can be found at http://www.saif.org.uk

Editors contact:	Ewan Scott 	Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 
(mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911
Company contact:			SAIF  tel. 0845 230 6777

Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual;
both Aardvark Associates and SAIF. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors.