Gossip mongerers will surely “spread the cheapness, no respect at all, and all sort of oppressing words” to the bereaved families if Green Funeral is applied. In this scenario, the materialistic instinct still prevails. Have you noticed that it is very costly to die than be alive? It is because the rich including the poor are so keen on giving the most sophisticated, and glamorous casket coupled with expensive burial services to the max for their dead love one. I’m just wondering, is this a requirement to reach the so called heaven? If only this concept is challenge by the beauty of going green, surely the materialistic views will now be a thing of the past.
Just what exactly is Green Funeral?
From the word “Green“, it simply connotes being Earth-Friendly, Environment-Friendly and all things and ways that may save our beloved planet earth from “destruction”. We are killing our mother earth slowly and would you believe…SURELY?
Oh my, and how do we exactly stop the slowly but surely “killing” of our mother earth?
There are many ways, but I will tackle this Green Funeral thing. Green funeral is simply the treating of the dead body without the usual pumping-in of embalming fluid. Going green is easy and very cheap. The less resources needed makes it easier for the dead body to become a natural part of the earth when buried. But sad to say, this is still not appreciated by many.
Here are few of the many ways to go Green during funeral:
• Direct burial. an A.B.S (automatic burying style) no visitation and viewing therefore no toxic embalming fluid.
• Refrigeration. If the bereaved families want a last view of their dead love one, they should “refrigerate” the body (not in an ordinary refrigerator)
• Less or no cars during funeral procession. Inform the mourners about the importance of walking as an exercise.
• Use biodegradable casket such as cardboard (A CARDBOARD???? A cardboard, yes my dear but this is not the usual cardboard of milk products or whatsoever. This is purposely made to replace the costly casket. Cloth shroud may also do wonders.
• Request to receive financial donations in lieu of the usual flowers. The dead cannot bring those lovely, imported flowers to his destination. You will only give the bereaved families trash to clean after the burial. What a waste.
• Don’t use cemented burial tomb. Remember, cement is costly and untidy to look at.
• A tree (may I suggest fruit bearing) instead of a tombstone – as a way to remember the dead. Isn’t it sweet to see them still “growing” even if already dead?
Green Funeral or the Traditional Way
It’s just a matter of choice. Just don’t forget to inform your conscience that it is very practical and environment friendly to go green instead of doing the annihilating traditional funeral.
