Funerals and the Environment in County Durham
"I can think of no better way of celebrating the continuity of creation than becoming part of a tree in a piece of countryside destined to become a woodland, full of wild flowers, wildlife and bird song forever and ever, Amen"(David Bellamy)
Introduction
This information is aimed at anyone with an interest in looking after the planet for future generations. Concerns about issues such as pollution and global warming mean that more and more people are trying to live their lives in an environmentally friendly way. As a result there is now a growing interest in the environmental impacts of funerals.Funerals - Some Environmental Issues
Coffins
There are two ways in which the use of coffins can have an environmental impact. Firstly the impact of the manufacturing process and secondly the impacts associated with the burial or cremation of the coffin. In particular, solvents, glues and finishes have the potential to cause a negative impact.
From an environmental point of view it is important to consider not only the material used to make the coffin, but also the energy use and pollution of the manufacturing process. Improved legislation in recent years (including the Environmental Protection Act 1990) has resulted in a significant reduction in the environmental impacts of coffins manufactured and sold in the UK.
A wide range of coffins is now available, either through funeral directors or direct from suppliers (many of which now have information available on the Internet).
Wooden Coffins
Wooden coffins can be made from solid wood (e.g. oak or pine) or from chipboard. Chipboard is often made from recycled wood, bonded with a special resin with a low formaldehyde content.
All the substances used in the manufacture of coffins in the UK must be compliant with the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Some coffin manufacturers are now seeking accreditation with the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) The FSC mark demonstrates that the wood has come from sustainably managed forests.
Cardboard Coffins
Several different types of cardboard coffin are available. Most come ready assembled, although flatpack options are available.
Cardboard is readily biodegradeable and is often made out of recycled materials and can therefore be ‘environmentally friendly’.
There has been some debate over the use of cardboard coffins in crematoria - mainly focussing on the properties of cardboard at high temperatures. However, almost all crematoria in the UK now accept them (including two in County Durham). Recent research has indicated that the amount of energy required for a cremation is less than when a wooden coffin is used (Source: Natural Death Centre).
Other Coffins
Other types of ‘environmentally friendly’ coffins currently available include; woven willow coffins (with a biodegradeable lining), bamboo coffins and fully biodegradeable papiermache coffins. Wool shrouds are also available as an alternative to coffins.
The following text has been submitted by a supplier of bamboo coffins (with permission from the Natural Death Centre):
'Our Bamboo coffins are fully biodegradable and made of 100% natural materials including a waterproof cotton liner and headrest. The late Nicholas Albery, Founder of the UK's Natural Death Centre, was laid to rest in one in June, 2001. The coffins are EPA (Environmental Protection Act) accredited and appropriate for both burials and cremations.'
Ask your funeral director about the environmental impacts of various coffins, or ask the manufacturers directly. The Natural Death Centre can supply details of a wide range of ‘environmentally-friendly coffins’ (see contact details at the end of this leaflet).
Embalming
Questions are sometimes raised over the environmental impacts of embalming.
Embalming is the process of preserving a body between the time of death and the funeral. For relatives who intend to view the deceased during this period, embalming may bring comfort and longer term psychological benefits.
Embalming involves the injection of formaldehyde (or a similar liquid) into the blood vessels of the body. The blood and other body fluids are drained. The embalming fluid contains dyes which are intended to recreate a natural colour.
There is conflicting evidence as to whether embalming has any significant negative impacts on the environment. The main concern is the potential impact of the embalming fluid on the soil following burial. The procedure should not be carried out without the consent of the person arranging the funeral, and is not permitted if a person has died of a notifiable disease.
Which is Greener - Burial or Cremation?
This is a complicated question to answer. The exact nature of the environmental impacts will vary depending on a variety of factors - some of which are outlined in the rest of this leaflet.Burial - Some Environmental Issues
Use of Land
In some parts of the UK (and some parts of County Durham) there is a crisis facing those providing burial services. Burial space is dwindling in existing cemeteries, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for local authorities to find suitable new burial sites (especially in urban areas).
Any significantly increased demand for burial sites will require a review of current burial land-use policies, rules and conventions.
Family Centred Funerals
Burial services offer several opportunities for family members to be involved in the funeral if they wish to do so. These could include; choosing or even constructing the coffin, decorating the coffin, acting as coffin-bearers, helping to back-fill the grave, and planning or leading the funeral service. However, it is important for any family member wishing to be involved in this way to discuss the arrangements fully with their funeral director (if they wish to use one), local authority cemetery staff, and those facilitating the service (where appropriate).Woodland Burial
Graves in 'woodland burial' sites are often marked with a tree or shrub, rather than the traditional headstone. There is a growing interest in this type of burial, which moves away from the traditional idea of a neat and tidy cemetery towards a more wildlife-friendly environment. Such sites, planted with native trees and shrubs, (or managed as meadowland) offer considerable opportunities to enhance local wildlife and offer an appropriate resting place for people with a particular love of nature.
There are many woodland burial sites in the UK. Most are privately owned, although an increasing number of public burial authorities are now seeking to establish similar sites. It is common for both private and public woodland burial sites to have rules and criteria for burial. These will vary from site to site, but may include:
- The deceased should not be embalmed.
- The coffin should be constructed of an easily decomposable material.
- Headstones are not allowed.
Seven Penny Meadows (Medomsley Village, near Consett): Tel: 01207 561229
Other woodland burial sites nearby include:
Carlisle (Tel: 01228 625310) - Carlisle City Council
Hexham, St Andrew's Cemetery (Tel: 01434 609575) - Hexham Town Council
Acklam and Linthorpe (Middlesbrough) (Tel: 01642 817725) - Middlesbrough City Council
Cremation - Some Environmental Issues
Air Pollution
Crematoria are subject to strict rules to ensure that the minimum amount of air pollution is produced. These regulations are enforced and monitored by the Environment Agency. Issues include greenhouse gas emissions, Dioxins and airborne mercury.Energy Use
Most crematoria are fuelled by gas (a fossil fuel). Ironically, the stricter emissions controls in recent years have resulted in a significant increase in the amount of energy needed to operate incinerators. There is some evidence to suggest that cardboard coffins use less energy in crematoria than wooden coffins.Burial of Ashes
If ashes are to be buried rather than scattered, an environmentally friendly option is to use a biodegradeable casket or container.What's Currently on Offer in County Durham?
Funeral Directors Services
Funeral directors should be able to provide information about the environmental impacts of their products and services. Many are now offering a range of coffins (including cardboard and other ‘alternative’ materials).
Some funeral directors in County Durham have a Health and Safety policy which does not permit staff to carry cardboard coffins. In such cases a trolley is used to transport the coffin. This may also be the case for other alternatives to the ‘traditional’ wooden coffin.
Woodland Burials and Tree Planting
Most local authorities which manage cemeteries will do their best to respond to wishes to have a memorial tree planted near to the place of burial (usually within the cemetery, but not always right next to the grave). The combination of a 'traditional' burial, and the planting of a native species memorial tree (or trees) is a very simple way of benefiting the environment and creating a living memorial.
The nearest existing active woodland burial sites to County Durham are at; Acklam cemetery, and Linthorpe (Middlesbrough), Mowthorpe Garden of Rest, Terrington (near York), Carlisle Cemetery, Thornton Cemetery (Bradford), and Hexham Cemetery. It is possible for people from outside the local area to be buried in one of these sites (although the charges are usually higher than for local people).
How can I ensure that my funeral is environmentally friendly?
Advance Funeral Wishes
One of the best ways to ensure that your funeral will be environmentally friendly is to write down your preferences well in advance (in the same way as you would when making a will). This may sound like a strange thing to do, but having written preferences will really help relatives to arrange the type of funeral which you want to have. Concerns about green funerals appearing 'cheap' to other relatives can sometimes mean that a more 'traditional' funeral is arranged unless there are clearly written advance wishes.
Your preferences could be included as part of a will however this may not be read until after the funeral. You may therefore want to express your wishes in a separate letter or form (often referred to as 'Advance Funeral Wishes').
Funeral wishes (whether in a will, letter or form) are not legally binding on friends and relatives. It is therefore important that the people who will be responsible for your funeral arrangements are aware of your particular wishes. Most people will, when the occasion arises, follow your wishes where at all possible.
Details of ‘Advance Funeral Wishes’ and forms are available from the Natural Death Centre (contact details below) and from some funeral directors.
What's being planned in County Durham and Darlington?
Several local authorities in County Durham are currently developing plans for offering woodland burials in their cemeteries. These include:Durham City (South Road Cemetery): An area has been identified for woodland burials within the existing South Road Cemetery site. The City Council is currently in discussions with an external partner regarding the development, layout and management of the woodland burial area but at the present time the facility is not available for interments.
Contact: DurhamCity info - Customer Services: Tel: 0191 3018669
Chester-le-Street (Pelton Cemetery): Chester-le-Street District Council are currently in process of acquiring extra land at Pelton Cemetery. Once this process is complete, the council hope to set aside part of the new area for woodland burials.
Contact: Chester-le-Street District Council: Tel: 0191 3890749
Seaham Cemetery: Seaham Town Council are developing a new cemetery at Lord Byrons Walk in the North of Seaham. The new cemetery is due to open in August 2005. A section of the cemetery is being designed as a green burial area within a woodland setting.
Contact: Mike Preston (Parks Manager)
Seaham Town Council
Princess Road Cemetery
Princess Road
Seaham
County Durham
SR7 7TD
Tel: 0191 5812943
A number of other local authorities will also consider green burial requests. These include:
Derwentside District Council: Derwentside District Council will do their best to accommodate any green burial requests (e.g. memorial tree planting). They are also investigating the feasibility of establishing a woodland burial site in the district.
Contact: Tel: 01207 580 218 000
Wear Valley District Council: Wear Valley District Council will allow green burials subject to full prior consultation with the cemetery superintendent.
Contact:
Director of Community Services
Wear Valley District Council
Civic Centre
Crook
County Durham
DL15 9ES
Tel: 01388 765 555
Ferryhill Town Council: Any request for a green burial will be considered on its merits.
Contact:
Executive Officer
Ferryhill Town Council
Town Hall
Ferryhill
County Durham
DL11 8JL
Darlington Borough Council: Darlington Borough Council have no green burial facilities at present, but would like to address this situation within the next five years.
Contact:
Public Protection Division
Darlington Borough Council
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT
Tel: 01325 388576
Sources of Further Help and Information
The Natural Death CentreA charity providing information on Woodland burial sites, cardboard coffins, Advance Funeral Wishes forms etc. They also publish the comprehensive 'New Natural Death Handbook' which is available from libraries or directly from the Natural Death Centre (price £15.50).Contact:
Natural Death Centre
12a Blackstock Mews
Blackstock Road
London
N4 2BT
Tel: 0871 2882098
There is also an excellent web site at www.naturaldeath.org.uk
Association of Burial Authorities Helpline: This is a national helpline for members of the public.
The Association of Burial Authorities
155 Upper Street
London
N1 1RA
Tel: 020 72882522
National Association of Funeral Directors
618 Warwick Road
Solihull
West Midlands
B91 1AA
Tel: 0121 7111343
Their website is at http://www.nafd.org.uk/ and they can be contacted by e-mail at fdm@nafd.org.uk
Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
SAIF Business Centre
3 Bullfields
Sawbridgeworth
Herts
CM21 9BD
Tel: 01279 726777
The Funeral Ombudsman Scheme
26 - 28 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4HE
Tel: 020 7430 1112
The Funeral Standards Council
30 North Road
Cardiff
CF1 3DY
Tel: 02920 382046
District councils in County Durham which manage cemeteries are:
- Chester-le-Street District Council (Tel: 0191 3871919)
- Derwentside District Council (Tel: 01207 580580)
- Durham City Council (Tel: 0191 3018669)
- Teesdale District Council (Tel: 01833 637890)
- Wear Valley District Council (Tel: 01388 765555)
- Durham City (South Road Cremetorium, South Road, Durham City) (Tel: 0191 3848677)
- Dipton (Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, Stanley ) (Tel: 01207 570255)
In Easington District and Sedgefield Borough, cemeteries are managed by Town and Parish Councils:
- Murton: Tel: 0191 5261845
- Seaham: Tel: 0191 5812943
- Horden: Tel: 0191 5180385
- Peterlee: Tel: 0191 586 491
- Aycliffe: Tel: 01325 300700
- Shildon: Tel: 01388 772563
- Spennymoor: Tel: 01388 815276
- Ferryhill: Tel: 01740 652 157
- Chilton: Tel: 01388 721788
- Sedgefield: Tel: 01740 621273
This informtion has been developed and produced by the County Durham Greener Funerals Partnership on behalf of the County Durham Local Agenda 21 Partnership.
We try to keep this web page up-to-date. However, if you find any information which is incorrect (or if you would like to suggest additional information which you think should be included) please contact us at the address below:
Sustainability Section
Environment
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833361
Email: La21@durham.gov.uk
