Eco-Conscious Funerals in 2023

Cecile Walters Trotter • April 22, 2023

Meaningful choices with less environmental consequences

Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose, poses in front of an array of composting vessels at Recompose Seattle on October 06, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. Recompose is a green funeral home specializing in human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, terramation, or recomposition.. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Recompose)

Happy Earth Day! The very first Earth Day was celebrated in America on April 22, 1970, and it sparked an environmental movement and led to the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year. Since then, it has become a worldwide day of action, having reached over one billion participants each year, touching all parts of the globe and every industry in America, including the deathcare industry.

Funeral trends have been shifting in a more ecologically-friendly direction over the past decade. Rising cremation rates point to this fact (although when asked, most people will cite “financial motives” as the number one reason cremation was chosen as the final disposition method.) If a person is environmentally conscious, the thought of taking up ground space, and putting chemicals/plastics underground deters them from traditional burial.

These are valid concerns from clients. It seems the industry has taken these concerns to heart, and recently we’ve seen many new products and services come out for those wanting their last effects left on this planet to be less harmful. Some of them are:

Natural Burials

According to the Green Burial Council (GBC), the gold standard for environmental causes in the industry, certified natural burials by funeral homes must meet these standards:

1. Offer the decedent’s family the option of a public viewing without embalming, or use only Green Burial Council-approved post-mortem fluids.

2. Carry at least three GBC-approved or rated burial containers, such as cotton shrouds and caskets made of biodegradable materials such as wicker

3. Accommodate families choosing to conduct home vigils prior to viewing on site without embalming, or use only GBC-approved post-mortem fluids.

4. Offer sanitation and temporary preservation of a decedent using only noninvasive techniques and materials.

Currently there are 35 states that have GBC certified funeral homes that offer natural burials. Unfortunately, a combination of state laws for funeral homes and cemeteries, combined with our low elevation level prohibit natural burials from taking place in Louisiana.

Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)

Natural Organic Reduction, also called “Terramation”, takes what would occur in nature (decomposition), and through controlled environmental conditions, speeds up the process.

Here’s how it works:

The unembalmed body is sealed in a holding vessel lined with wood chips, grasses, and flowers. The naturally occurring microbes in our bodies and on our skin are given just the right amounts moisture and temperature to flourish over the course of about six weeks. Because of these ideal conditions, the organic processes will result in nutrient dense soil, ready to return to the forest floor or gardens in just a few months.

Currently NOR is legally available in six states: Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Vermont and New York. In 2023, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois legislators introduced bills on their state floors for consideration.

Here are three NOR companies based in the United States. Their websites are very helpful should you be interested in more information on a true “return to the earth” final disposition method. Click on the links below to view detailed information.

Return Home

Recompose

Natural Burial

Water Cremation

Water cremation, or “Aquamation”, is the disposition process of alkaline hydrolysis that uses lye and heat to dispose of the body. Similar to fire cremation, all that is left after the process is the minerals from a person’s bones.

Alkaline hydrolysis has been around for decades, being used as a means to dispose of human remains from medical schools and animals from research labs. It is still fairly new to the funeral industry, but received international attention when Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose water cremation after his death on December 26, 2021.

Proponents of the process argue that water cremation is more energy-efficient, cleaner and better for the environment, as it emits 35% less greenhouse gas than fire cremation. It’s currently legal in 23 states; Louisiana is not one of them.

Other innovations still in the testing phase are the tree pod burials, created by Italians Francesco D’Angelo and Adriano Del Ferro. These conceptual designs, now known as Capsula Mundi, made a huge splash on social media around 2018. People emotionally connected to the “circle of life” idea the inventors promoted, and embraced the thought of giving back to the Earth and becoming a tree. While it’s still a few years away, the company has created a biodegradable urn that functions similarly to the burial pod, but with cremated remains.

These green solutions are transforming historic rituals of commemoration for those who seek earth-conscious end of life services. These alternative funerals are becoming more popular as a way to honor our loved ones and provide a better environment for future generations. Louisiana should not delay in embracing these practices.

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How Writing Thank You Cards Can Help You Heal After Loss

By Cecile Walters Trotter • August 10, 2023

The act of writing thank you cards is a powerful gesture that can have a significant impact on both the sender and receiver. Not only is it considered good manners, but in the midst of grief, it's important not to overlook the power of gratitude and the impact that a simple thank you note can have. Sending thank you notes after a funeral is a thoughtful and respectful gesture that can provide comfort and closure to both the bereaved and those who attended the service. It's a way to express gratitude for the support and kindness shown during a difficult time, and to acknowledge the contributions and memories of the loved one who has passed. Typically thank you notes are sent to all who participated in the funeral, including clergy, pallbearers, and lectors; and to those people who sent flowers, food, or charitable contributions in memory of your loved one. In addition to being a meaningful way to show appreciation, thank you notes can also serve as a way to stay connected with family and friends after the funeral. By taking the time to write a personal message, you can strengthen relationships and build a sense of community during a time of grieving. When writing a thank you note after a funeral, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, be sincere and heartfelt in your message, expressing your gratitude in a way that feels authentic and true to your emotions. Second, be specific and personal in your note, referencing specific acts of kindness or words of comfort that were particularly meaningful to you. And finally, be timely in your response, sending your note within a few weeks of the funeral to ensure that it is received and appreciated. Overall, sending thank you notes after a funeral is a simple yet powerful way to show gratitude and compassion during a difficult time. By taking the time to express your appreciation, you can honor the memory of your loved one and strengthen the bonds of friendship and family that support you through life's challenges. Here are some examples of sentiments expressed: "Please accept our sincere thanks for (the card, flowers, etc.) you sent in memory of my mother. It is only the generosity of good friends like you that has gotten us through this very difficult time. Thank you Respectfully yours," "I know how much (the deceased) enjoyed spending time with you volunteering at (name of charity). Your thoughtful contribution to (name of charity) certainly honors her memory. Thank you for supporting such a wonderful organization in her name. With sincere appreciation," "Your love and support during this difficult time has made the seemingly unbearable, bearable. Thank you for the gorgeous white floral stand you sent to the funeral home. I know that (deceased) would have loved them. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Warmly," "On behalf of the entire family, please accept our appreciation for the (food items) sent to the visitation at the funeral home. We all needed the nourishment and comfort it provided. It was all so delicious, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness. Sincerely," ---- In closing, it is important to remember that there is no deadline on when to send a thank you card. While it may seem like another task that must be completed immediately, taking the time to sincerely write out your gratitude to friends and neighbors will help move you along in your grief journey much more than rushing through this opportunity for thoughtful communication.

What to Wear to a Funeral: A Guide

By Cecile Walters Trotter • February 9, 2023

Funerals are a time to pay respects to the deceased and their family.Over the years societal norms on funeral attire have shifted to more casual garments. While It’s not uncommon to see blue jeans and sandals, funeral attendees should consider the message their clothing choices send. Let’s discuss what appropriate funeral attire looks like so you can honor the deceased and their family, and not draw attention away from the true reason of the gathering. Length of Clothing Matters Ladies: More so than the color of the garment, length still matters when it comes to funeral attire. Mini skirts and low-cut tops should be left in the closet for other social events. Tops that cover arms are preferred, and should not be too tight fitting. If you want to wear something more creative than a basic dress or pantsuit, consider a blouse with an ankle-length skirt or an ankle-length maxi dress instead of shorts or capris. The key here is to keep it modest and appropriate for all audiences, regardless of how casual the deceased may have been in life. Rethink Denim Denim jeans have come a long way from the everyday work pants, darker-washed denim especially. No matter how much they cost, ripped jeans, (whether at the thigh, knee, or hem) should be reconsidered, as should skinny jeans. Just because something is expensive does not mean it is respectful. If you must wear denim, go for a dark color that shows no wear in the knees or back pockets, and is not fraying at the hem. A better alternative would be to opt for dress pants, khakis, nice leggings, or even a skirt depending on your comfort level and what feel appropriate for your body type. It's also important to remember that any colors worn should be muted colors - nothing bright or flashy - as this would distract from the somber atmosphere at the service. Black is customary, but other neutral colors such as navy, gray, brown and dark green are also quite nice. Accessories Should Be Low Key As Well Your jewelry should also be kept simple when attending funerals. Stick with small pieces such as stud earrings, small pendants on delicate chains, classic watches, etc., to avoid drawing attention away from what really matters during this time—being respectful to yourself and those around you while honoring the memory of the deceased person in attendance. Shoes should also be conservative – close-toed pumps or flats are always acceptable choices. Sandals are generally discouraged unless they are very formal sandals made of leather rather than plastic or rubber materials. This goes for men as well – dress shoes are always best as sneakers can look too casual for a funeral setting. Funerals are times of reflection and respect for both ourselves and those who have passed away before us. Selecting an outfit in dark colors that aren't too revealing—and if possible opt for something made from natural fabrics like cotton over synthetic ones—will help make sure you look dignified while paying your respects at a funeral service. Dressing appropriately for funerals can be tricky but following these guidelines will help ensure you look respectable while showing respect to the family and the deceased.