Dubock Funerals are proud to offer a range of Environmentally Friendly Green Funeral options to reflect the values and wishes of yourself and your loved one. Green Funerals are an alternative to a traditional funeral service that seeks to minimise the environmental impact of the funeral service.
In Australia, the funeral industry is experiencing a notable shift towards more environmentally friendly practices, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability and ecological concerns. Emerging techniques in the funeral sector are placing a strong emphasis on reducing the environmental impact traditionally associated with funerals.
These environmentally conscious options provide individuals with choices that align with their values, contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate approach to the farewell process in Australia.
Coffins
The Byron
Recycled Cardboard
This coffin has a natural kraft paper finish with rope handles. It also offers an interior lined with white cotton and a pillow. The Byron is made from 100% recycled consumer cardboard, this contains no bleach or other harmful chemicals. It is also held together using minimal amounts of environmentally sound water-based glue. It is suitable to be used in the situation of cremation or burial. It has environmental benefits when compared to traditional coffins or caskets which are often made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF), hardwoods and metal. In the case of cremation, less energy is required to burn The Byron and there is less toxic waste produced during this process. Regarding a burial, The Byron breaks down quicker in the earth, this facilitates the return of our human elements back to the environment.
The Eden
Renewable Pine
This coffin is made from solid, renewable radiata plantation pine with natural rope handles. It also offers an interior lined with neutral-toned, cotton calico fabric drapery. The timber used to create The Eden is sourced from the finest grade (A1 Clear) in New Zealand. It has a matte, natural oiled finish and offers a flat lid. The Eden is fully timber dowelled, meaning there are no metal fittings included in the coffin. It is suitable to be used in the situation of cremation or burial.
Wicker
Hand – Woven Willow
This coffin is hand-woven using willow. It also offers an interior lined with calico, as well as a moisture proof membrane. The Wicker coffin is made from renewable, natural and biodegradable resources and does not include glues or metals. There is a wooden nameplate situated on the top of the coffin. It is suitable to be used in the situation of cremation or burial. Regarding burials, willow tends to decompose much more quickly than traditional materials such as MDF, hardwoods and metal. Depending on soil conditions, willow will take between 6 months and 2 years to break down. This process helps to lock carbon emissions into the willow’s stems. In the situation of cremation, willow is a carbon neutral material and when burnt only gives off the same amount of carbon that it has consumed within its lifetime. The Wicker coffin may be ordered in the ‘standard’ and ‘large’ size.
To view our full range of environmentally friendly coffins please see our Coffins and Caskets page.
Burials
Natural Burials
Natural Burials are offered by select cemeteries in Melbourne and surrounding areas. This involves reducing the impact that burials have on the environment and allowing the human body to return to nature. Natural burials use a coffin or casket made from natural biodegradable materials, or alternatively a burial shroud. There are no chemicals used throughout the process, including those used during the embalming process. Family and friends can return to serene, sustainable and native bushland areas to visit and pay respects to their loved one. This area provides individual graves that are either unmarked or marked naturally with trees. Natural Burials are currently offered at Healesville Cemetery, Lilydale Memorial Park and Murrun Naroon in Bunurong Memorial Park. The standards for a natural burial at Murrun Narroon can be found here.
Upright Burials
Upright burials that focus on sustainability have also begun gaining traction within the funeral industry. In partnership with Upright Burials A rational service can be held if you wish and we will then arrange to transport your loved one to the Kurweeton Landscape Cemetery for a environmentally friendly upright burial. This service also includes having a tree planted on Mount Elephant to honour and celebrate the life of your loved one.
Upright burials that focus on sustainability have also begun gaining traction within the funeral industry. This service is available here in Victoria at Kurweeton Landscape Cemetery. This service also includes having a tree planted on Mount Elephant to honour and celebrate the life of your loved one.
Cremations
Cremations are a more environmentally friendly option than a traditional burial. CO2 emissions are produced during cremation process and the amount will vary depending on the cremator and the fuel source used. As technology changes and improves, newer cremators more energy efficient cremators are being produced.
We suggest a low impact coffin or cardboard coffin for cremation have arrange of environmentally friendly urns and natural material containers available as receptacle for cremated remains.
For further information about Green Funerals, please call our helpful staff on 9384 1100 or submit an enquiry form, and one of our funeral directors will contact you shortly.