Environmental Considerations of Funerals
There
are two ways in which the use of coffin or casket can have an environmental
impact. Firstly the impact of the manufacturing process and secondly the impact
associated with the burial or cremation of the casket or coffin. In particular,
solvents, glues and finishes have the potential to have long-term impact on the
environment. It is important to consider not only the material used to make the
casket or coffin, but also the energy used and pollution of the original
manufacturing process.
Wooden Coffins & Caskets
Wooden
coffins and caskets can be made from solid wood (e.g. oak or pine) or from
chipboard. Chipboard (also called particle board) is most commonly used in
Australia. It is made from re-constituted wood particles, bonded with a special
resin. Click here to read more about how chipboard coffins
and caskets are detrimental to the environment.
They
often use “formaldehyde” as the bonding agent which is subsequently released
once the casket or coffin is burnt. Formaldehyde has been classified as a human
carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer. Further details on dangers of formaldehyde to humans can be found
from the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Heritage’s
“National Pollutant Inventory” -
http://www.npi.gov.au/index.html
Cardboard Coffins and Caskets
The
cardboard used in OnEarth's caskets is made from recycled cardboard. They are
readily biodegradable and is suitable for burials and cremations. There has been
some debate over the use of cardboard coffins and caskets in crematoria - mainly
focussing on the properties of cardboard at high temperatures. 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
http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk).
Green House Emissions
Cremations
To
cremate a body, the furnace is heated to about 800 degrees. One cremation
generates about 160 kilograms of carbon dioxide. There are over 300,000 deaths
in Australia per year with about 70% of people choosing cremations. This equals
about 33,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide released each year into the atmosphere.
Ironically, the stricter emissions controls in recent years have resulted in a
significant increase in the amount of energy needed to operate cremators. There
is some evidence to suggest that cardboard casket use less energy in crematoria
than wooden casket.
Traditional Burials
Cemeteries also add to greenhouse gas emissions. A headstone is estimated to
generate 39kgs of greenhouse gasses. They also need ongoing maintenance,
including grass cutting, watering, trimming which all helps generate more carbon
dioxide and consume valuable water resources.
