Environmental Funerals
Environmental funerals may also be referred to as eco, green or natural funerals, they aim to reduce the impact of a funeral on the environment. Environmental funerals can take place in natural, woodland, or cemetery settings, providing a peaceful place of rest.
There are many considerations when arranging an environmental funeral, including the choice of coffin, materials, and use of transportation. There may also be the absence of embalming or gravestones/ markers where GPS is often used in substitution to locate your loved one’s final place of rest. We work closely with families to explain all the options and benefits available to them to help arrange and conduct a funeral with environmental factors at the forefront.
Talk to us
If you are looking to arrange an environmental funeral or if you have any questions, call us to speak with a member of our compassionate team.
02920 524 200
Environmental Burial
Most environmental funerals are carried out as a burial, many woodland or natural burial sites will have requirements to ensure minimal disruption to the environment.
Environmental Cremation
Cremation is seen to have more of an impact on the environment due to energy usage, however, should you opt for a cremation, there are ways in which the environmental impact can be reduced.
Type of materials
Depending on the type of funeral, certain materials such as hardwoods and metals may be prohibited. Choosing an eco-coffin allows you to choose coffins from materials such as bamboo, willow, wicker, and cardboard. For cremation, there are many biodegradable urns to choose from.
Transportation
When an environmental funeral is conducted, you may choose a different type of vehicle such as one of our hybrid-powered fleet cars. You may also wish to reduce the number of vehicles in the procession or have family and friends carpool to reduce the carbon footprint.
Minimalist
For environmental burials, there is often the absence of gravestones or markers, this is to preserve landscapes and natural areas of beauty. Many environmental places of rest will provide GPS coordinates to help locate your loved one. Embalming is also often avoided to minimise the environmental impact.
Costs
When arranging a funeral, the costs will depend on the arrangements and options you would like to include. Green Willow Funerals aim to accommodate your every need, with no request being too small or large for us to deliver.
| Care Fees | |
|---|---|
| Professional Fees | £1815 |
| Bringing into Care | £165 |
| Viewing | £55 |
| Transport Options | |
|---|---|
| A Traditional Black Hearse | £339 |
| A Horse-Drawn Funeral Carriage | From £1405 |
| Limousine (space for up to 7 passengers) | £199 |
| Coffin | See our range of coffins |
| Third-Party Costs | |
|---|---|
| Cremation | £820 |
| Burial – Grave Purchase | £1050 |
| Burial – Grave Opening | £960 |
| Based on Thornhill Cemetery and Crematorium fees | |
| Order of Service | From £79 |
| Press Notice | From £130 |
| Officiant – Clergy/ Humanist/ Civil Celebrant | £94 – £200 |
| Other Costs | |
|---|---|
| Bringing your loved one to a church, home or another venue before the funeral: | |
| Weekdays | £325 |
| Weekends/Bank Holidays | £368 |
| Saturday Funeral | £440 |
| Professional Fees for 2nd/subsequent days | £415 |
*A surplus of £250 will be added if full payment is not received within 60 days of the funeral.
**Prices are subject to change, please contact your funeral director to confirm the latest costs.
***Our pricelists can be found on our Funeral Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some of the most common questions our funeral directors receive:
Will I be able to see my loved one?
Yes, arrangements can be made to see your loved one in one of our funeral homes. In rare cases, a viewing may not be advised, in which case a closed coffin viewing can be arranged.
Where will my loved one be taken?
If your loved one dies expectedly, they would be taken to rest at one of our funeral homes, located at; Heath in Cardiff, Malpas in Newport, or Station Road in Dinas Powys.
How long does it take to arrange a funeral?
Depending on the circumstance, an attended funeral usually takes between 2-3 weeks to arrange. Timescales may vary depending on if your loved one is taken into the coroner’s care and whether you are arranging a burial or cremation. Your funeral director will work with you to discuss a date for the funeral that works best for you.
When is payment due?
Once you have met with your funeral director and discussed your loved one’s wishes, payment is required to cover the cost of third-party disbursements before the funeral can be arranged. Once payment is received, a funeral date can be confirmed. The remainder of the balance will be required within 60 days of the funeral. If you are choosing a White Willow Cremation, full payment is due at the time of arrangement.
Talk to our friendly team on 02920 524 200
The 1910 Trust, our charity owner
As a social enterprise, our profits are donated to the Cardiff YMCA (1910) Trust, which funds local community projects and activities across South Wales.