The Beauty and Benefits of Green Burials

Green burials, also known as natural burials or eco-friendly burials represent a profound departure from the traditional practices of laying the deceased to rest. In contrast to the elaborate and resource-intensive rituals often associated with conventional funerals, green burials offer a more environmentally conscious and ecologically sustainable approach. They prioritise simplicity, ecological sensitivity, and a deep connection to nature. In doing so, green burials aim to minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with traditional burial practices, which frequently involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable caskets.

The concept of green burials has roots that extend far back in human history, echoing the practices of ancient civilisations. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that the modern green burial movement gained significant momentum. This surge in interest came as a direct response to growing concerns about the ecological consequences of conventional burial practices, which often disrupt ecosystems and contribute to pollution.

The United Kingdom played a pivotal role in popularising green burials on a global scale. In a historic moment in 1993, Carlisle Cemetery in Cumbria, UK, became the world's first modern green burial site. This landmark event marked a turning point in the funeral industry, inspiring other nations to embrace similar eco-friendly practices. Taking inspiration from the British model, the concept of green burials rapidly spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

At the heart of the green burial philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to simplicity and the use of biodegradable materials. In stark contrast to the extravagance often associated with traditional funerals, the deceased in a green burial is typically interred in a shroud or a biodegradable casket crafted from materials like sustainably harvested wood, wicker, bamboo, or recycled cardboard. These materials are carefully chosen for their ability to facilitate a natural decomposition process, allowing the body to return to the earth harmoniously.
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Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of green burials is the conscious effort to preserve natural landscapes. These eco-friendly cemeteries are frequently situated in forests, bush, or other untouched natural areas. This strategic placement not only ensures the preservation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity but also fosters a serene and contemplative environment for loved ones to remember and connect with the deceased. In contrast to the towering and imposing tombstones found in conventional cemeteries, green burial sites feature minimalistic markers, using natural stones, native plants, or even GPS coordinates. This minimalist approach further contributes to the integration of human remains into the broader ecosystem, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life.

A core principle of green burials is the rejection of embalming chemicals. Instead of using preservatives and other harmful substances, the body is prepared for burial using natural methods, such as refrigeration or dry ice. This not only eliminates the environmental impact associated with embalming but also aligns with the movement's overarching commitment to preserving the earth's integrity.

At its essence, the green burial movement aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainability and conservation. It offers individuals and families a choice that not only respects the environment but also fosters a more harmonious relationship with nature throughout the entire life cycle, even in the profound experience of death. It serves as a testament to humanity's evolving consciousness about the interdependence of all life on Earth and the imperative to leave a lighter footprint, even in our final moments.
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In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, green burials represent a thoughtful and compassionate response to these concerns. They offer individuals and families an opportunity to align their values with their end-of-life choices, ensuring that their passing leaves a positive and lasting legacy, not just for their loved ones but for the planet as well. In choosing green burials, we are reminded that even in death, we can continue to nurture and protect the world that sustains us.

Exploring Natural Burials: Embracing Eco-Friendly Farewells and the Significance of Biodegradable Caskets

In the realm of farewells, a new wave of consciousness is sweeping across New Zealand and beyond, inspiring individuals to explore natural burials as an environmentally mindful way to bid adieu to their loved ones. As this movement gains momentum, it's essential to delve into the heart of natural burials and the profound impact they bring to our final goodbyes.

The Essence of Natural Burials Natural burials aren't just another passing trend; they embody a deep-rooted connection with nature, even as we reach the end of our earthly journey. These burials revolve around allowing the body to return to the earth, permitting natural decomposition to take its course. By foregoing embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, natural burials seek to minimise the ecological footprint often associated with conventional burial practices.

In the realm of natural burials, the choice of a casket plays a pivotal role. Materials like Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) are forbidden for these eco-friendly ceremonies. MDF caskets, which populate the NZ market, are composed of wood fibres and synthetic resins that deviate from the eco-friendly principles of natural burials. These synthetic components hinder the seamless integration of the body and casket with the earth.

Opting for a natural burial involves selecting a casket that is free from harmful materials and promotes the seamless integration of our bodies back into the natural world. Biodegradable caskets made from materials such as recycled cardboard (like an Outside The Box Cardboard casket) or caskets made from wicker, bamboo, or even simple untreated wood are favoured for their compatibility with the earth's natural processes.

At its core, the journey of natural burials extends beyond environmental considerations. It's about honouring our loved ones in alignment with their values and beliefs. By embracing natural burials, we establish a profound connection with the environment, leaving a legacy that reflects our commitment to safeguarding the planet.

The allure of natural burials rests in their holistic approach to farewells, nurturing a connection with nature and ensuring our impact on the Earth remains gentle and meaningful. By choosing biodegradable caskets and embracing the essence of these ceremonies, we create a final chapter that resonates with the timeless beauty of the world around us.

"Busting Myths About Cardboard Caskets: Setting the Record Straight with Outside The Box"
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When it comes to choosing a casket for a loved one's final resting place, misinformation and misconceptions can cloud the decision-making process. At Outside The Box, we specialize in designing and manufacturing eco-friendly cardboard caskets and we’re dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding them.

In this blog post, we debunk common misconceptions and provide you with accurate information about the benefits and suitability of cardboard caskets. Let us separate fact from fiction and shed some light on why Outside The Box Caskets are the trusted choice for sustainable farewells.

Myth #1: Cardboard caskets are flimsy and not durable.
Reality: Our cardboard caskets at Outside The Box undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and strength. We proudly offer caskets that have been weight tested up to 320kg, making them the strongest on the market.

Myth #2: Cardboard caskets are not suitable for traditional funeral services.
Reality: Cardboard caskets can be just as suitable for traditional funeral services as any other type of casket. Our cardboard caskets are designed to honour traditional funeral services with dignity and grace. Outside The Box offers a wide range of customisation options to ensure that the casket reflects the uniqueness of your loved one. From personalised artwork to special messages, we help you create a meaningful and personalised farewell.

Myth #3: Cardboard caskets are not environmentally friendly.
Reality: Outside The Box is at the forefront of eco-friendly caskets. Our cardboard caskets are made from recycled materials, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. They are free from glues, plastics, and metal parts, making them fully biodegradable and in line with sustainable practices. Choosing our caskets demonstrates your commitment to preserving the Earth for future generations.

Myth #4: Cardboard caskets are only suitable for cremation.
Reality: While cardboard caskets are indeed suitable for cremation, they are equally appropriate for burial. Our cardboard caskets are designed to facilitate natural decomposition, aligning with the principles of green burials. They provide a respectful and environmentally conscious choice for those who wish to honour their loved ones through traditional burial practices.

When it comes to cardboard caskets, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Outside The Box is dedicated to providing accurate information and dispelling misconceptions surrounding cardboard caskets. Our commitment to durability is evident in our caskets, which undergo rigorous weight testing, making them the strongest on the market. We are proud to be the first cardboard casket manufacturer certified by Natural Burials in NZ, reflecting our dedication to sustainability. With personalised customisation options, we aim to create meaningful farewells that honour your loved ones. 

Outside The Box  Award-Winning Eco Cardboard Caskets: A Sustainable Choice for Honouring Loved Ones

At Outside The Box Caskets we take pride in offering an exceptional range of eco-friendly cardboard caskets that have been recognised and awarded not once, but twice! Our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality has garnered prestigious awards, making our caskets the ideal choice for environmentally conscious individuals and families.

Certified by Natural Burials NZ, our eco cardboard caskets meet the highest standards of sustainability and eco-consciousness. We understand the importance of providing a final resting place that aligns with your values and respects the environment. That's why our caskets are thoughtfully designed to minimise ecological impact, ensuring a greener funeral experience.

What sets our eco cardboard caskets apart is their remarkable strength and durability. Each casket undergoes rigorous weight testing, withstanding pressures of up to an impressive 320kg. This means that they can safely accommodate individuals of various sizes and provide peace of mind knowing that your loved one will be properly cared for.

Beyond their strength, our caskets are crafted from renewable and recyclable materials. The use of sustainable recycled cardboard not only reduces the need for traditional hardwood caskets but also minimises the carbon footprint associated with funeral services. With our eco cardboard caskets, you can embrace an eco-conscious approach without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Additionally, our caskets offer a beautiful canvas for personalisation and customisation. They can be adorned with meaningful decorations, messages, or designs, allowing you to create a truly unique and heartfelt tribute to your loved one.
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Choosing our award-winning eco cardboard caskets means making a positive impact on the environment while honouring the life of someone dear to you. By opting for sustainable funeral practices, you contribute to a greener future and leave a legacy of environmental responsibility.

When did you decide you wanted to be a funeral director? How did you get into it?
It was about 10 years ago.  I had been working as a paediatric oncology and paediatric palliative care nurse for 30 years and wanted a change from that very intense, challenging role.  I had a been involved in a few funerals for the children I looked after with State of Grace funerals and liked how they worked with families.  So I worked with them for a year and then opened my own branch.

Tell us about your business?
We are a small, family focussed funeral company.  We have branches in Mt Wellington and Takanini, plus a shop in the Meadowbank Mall.  We are able to be quite bespoke with the funerals we offer, due to our size and philosophy.

What makes your business different?
A few things.  We are NZ owned and operated, we are all women, we are completely transparent about cost, and we strive to be eco friendly – we rarely embalm anyone, choosing instead to look after people by keeping them cool, we have some electric vehicles, we are involved in planting trees to offset our cremations, and we have a nearly zero waste office system.  We genuinely go out of our way to ensure families get to farewell their person in the way that is the best for them.

What do you love most about being a funeral director?
Helping people at a difficult and vulnerable time.  I love hearing the stories of people’s lives and meeting so many interesting families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.  I love the feeling when I know we have really listened to what a family want and have been creative in making that happen.  Hearing that we have made a difference is very rewarding.

What are some of the biggest changes you’re seeing in the funeral industry?
A large number of funeral companies are now owned by Australian companies which are listed on the stock exchange there, so there is a responsibility to the shareholders to be focussed on profit.  I do find that concerning.  Our emphasis on cost effective practices such as rental coffins and encouraging families to do as much as they want also seems to be well received.  Many of the people making the decisions in a family are of the generation where they are interested in options, interested in being involved and very open to keeping the process as natural as possible.

What does a typical day look like for you?
That is hard to answer as one of the joys of this work is that you never know how your day will pan out.  However, over a week, I would generally be involved in 3 to 4 funerals, either being the funeral director myself, or supporting a colleague.  I would help pick up people who have died from wherever that has been – hospital, hospice, rest home or their own home.  I would probably see a couple of families to do the funeral planning for their person that has died and then be involved in the event management of that – booking venues, a celebrant, flowers, sorting out a service sheet, and so on.  We are very encouraging of families visiting their person at our premises and helping us dress them as well if they would like to – this is a lovely thing to be involved with.  Families caring for their person for the last time.  We often have people at home being cared for there so we will call in to see how they are getting on.  We also quite often do prearrangements with people – helping them plan everything beforehand so they don’t need to be making big decisions at the time of the death. 

What qualities do you need to be a funeral director?
The main things are being kind, gentle and organised.  Obviously good communication skills are needed and the ability to work well with a team.  Having some experience with death and bereavement is useful but having a willingness to learn about how to support families is even more important.  Being flexible and calm in situations which often change depending on family dynamics and can be emotionally charged is important.  So maturity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to be of service are essential.  It is also about realising that what we want for our own families may be completely different from what the family we are working with wants, so being clear not to push a particular agenda or way of doing things.

How do you unwind from work?
I swim in a swim squad a couple of times a week which I love and try to swim in the ocean frequently over summer.  I read a lot of books, belong to a community choir, go to Scottish dancing, and enjoy walking.  I have 3 children in their twenties and a close family in Auckland so spend plenty of time with them and with friends.

What three things can’t you live without?
Family, friends, and being close to the water.

Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about becoming a funeral director?
Spend some time with funeral directors to see if their life is what you really want.  This work is never 9-5, Monday to Friday so you need to be prepared for that.  Look at what they do in a day in terms of caring for bodies, talking with families and organising funerals.  It is wonderfully varied and rewarding work but you need to be good at dealing with things as they happen, and open to different cultures, beliefs and practices.  

​What do you love most about being a funeral director?
Helping people at a difficult and vulnerable time.  I love hearing the stories of people’s lives and meeting so many interesting families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.  I love the feeling when I know we have really listened to what a family want and have been creative in making that happen.  Hearing that we have made a difference is very rewarding.

What are some of the biggest changes you’re seeing in the funeral industry?
A large number of funeral companies are now owned by Australian companies which are listed on the stock exchange there, so there is a responsibility to the shareholders to be focussed on profit.  I do find that concerning.  Our emphasis on cost effective practices such as rental coffins and encouraging families to do as much as they want also seems to be well received.  Many of the people making the decisions in a family are of the generation where they are interested in options, interested in being involved and very open to keeping the process as natural as possible.

What does a typical day look like for you?
That is hard to answer as one of the joys of this work is that you never know how your day will pan out.  However, over a week, I would generally be involved in 3 to 4 funerals, either being the funeral director myself, or supporting a colleague.  I would help pick up people who have died from wherever that has been – hospital, hospice, rest home or their own home.  I would probably see a couple of families to do the funeral planning for their person that has died and then be involved in the event management of that – booking venues, a celebrant, flowers, sorting out a service sheet, and so on.  We are very encouraging of families visiting their person at our premises and helping us dress them as well if they would like to – this is a lovely thing to be involved with.  Families caring for their person for the last time.  We often have people at home being cared for there so we will call in to see how they are getting on.  We also quite often do prearrangements with people – helping them plan everything beforehand so they don’t need to be making big decisions at the time of the death. 

What qualities do you need to be a funeral director?
The main things are being kind, gentle and organised.  Obviously good communication skills are needed and the ability to work well with a team.  Having some experience with death and bereavement is useful but having a willingness to learn about how to support families is even more important.  Being flexible and calm in situations which often change depending on family dynamics and can be emotionally charged is important.  So maturity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to be of service are essential.  It is also about realising that what we want for our own families may be completely different from what the family we are working with wants, so being clear not to push a particular agenda or way of doing things.

How do you unwind from work?
I swim in a swim squad a couple of times a week which I love and try to swim in the ocean frequently over summer.  I read a lot of books, belong to a community choir, go to Scottish dancing, and enjoy walking.  I have 3 children in their twenties and a close family in Auckland so spend plenty of time with them and with friends.

What three things can’t you live without?
Family, friends, and being close to the water.

Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about becoming a funeral director?
Spend some time with funeral directors to see if their life is what you really want.  This work is never 9-5, Monday to Friday so you need to be prepared for that.  Look at what they do in a day in terms of caring for bodies, talking with families and organising funerals.  It is wonderfully varied and rewarding work but you need to be good at dealing with things as they happen, and open to different cultures, beliefs and practices.  

​In the next coming weeks we’re doing Q & A sessions with funeral directors from across New Zealand to tell us about themselves and their business.
We caught up with Hazel James, the manager at Windsor Funerals on Auckland’s Northshore, to ask her to provide an insight into the life of a funeral director.

When did you decide you wanted to be a funeral director? How did you get into it? 
My father started as a funeral director on the North Shore when they arrived from the UK in 1965 so funeral directing has been always been a part of my life. I always knew Dad took care of dead people and our family life revolved around his oncall duty work.  I used to work in the funeral home on the school holidays when I became a teenager and after my parents bought the company I joined the family business full time.  I have always loved people so the job has come very natural to me.

Tell us about your business?
The business I manage and work for is Windsor Funerals.  We are a social enterprise company and understand that every family has different needs and that no two funerals are ever the same.  As we are a not for profit, we can specifically tailor a farewell to meet a family’s budget. Our purpose is to serve the community through much fairer pricing of funeral services than is currently available, while still providing the highest quality of care and professionalism.

What makes your business different?
We are NZ owned, unlike the majority of funeral homes across Auckland.  As we are not driven by profit margins we have the ability to assist families no matter how much they can afford to have a truly special and meaningful funeral.  We are also one of the few funeral homes that can offer 24 hour viewing if families require it.

What do you love most about being a funeral director?
I love caring for people and I especially love listening to the stories of the people we are caring for.  Everyone has a story and I find each one interesting.

What are some of the biggest changes you’re seeing in the funeral industry?  There has been a big move from a big traditional funeral, to a small intimate farewells, especially with the arrival of COVID.  People are looking at a service that is more personal and meaningful for them and their loved one rather than what has always been done so many families are moving away from the traditional style.  Technology also plays a major role in a service now with most being livestreamed whether they are a small service or a large traditional one.  Now our company has its own Vimeo channel and we often take our iPad with us on a service to record or stream it.

What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day at Windsor Funerals and that is one of the wonderful things about the job.  Our weeks vary a lot and no two days are ever the same.  They can be full of meeting families, transfers from hospitals and rest homes, funerals, organizing monumental work, laundry, maintenance around the building or getting out and about connecting with our community.

What qualities do you need to be a funeral director?
To be a good funeral director you need to be very organized, a great listener, a good communicator, patient, creative, with good attention to detail.  You also need physical strength, be a great multi tasker and also be able to go with the flow as you never know what will be thrown at you at the last minute.

How do you unwind from work? I love sitting in the spa pool under the stars with a nice glass of red wine.

What three things can’t you live without?
My family and friends, great food, and my cell phone (I love to stay connected to family and friends).

Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about becoming a funeral director?
It is not easy work and the hours can be difficult but it is a very rewarding and satisfying to assist people when they are at their most vulnerable.  Try and see if you can volunteer for work experience at a funeral company to see if the job is truly what you understand it to be. 
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Get in touch with Windsor Funerals
[email protected]

​The Difference Between an Outside The Box Casket and Other Cardboard Caskets
With more and more people turning towards eco-friendly funerals, there has been a rise in sustainable caskets. Eco-friendly caskets are an excellent way to lower the carbon footprint of a funeral without sacrificing the tradition and honour of burying a loved one. One New Zealand-based company, Outside The Box Caskets, stands as an example of just how stunning sustainable caskets can be.
 
Eco-friendly caskets are made from recycled materials, primarily cardboard. Some people may hear this and be worried that the casket will no longer be stable or unique; while this is a natural worry, it is not a problem with a proper eco-friendly casket. Here is what makes Outside the Box Caskets so different from the rest!
 
The Design is Award-Winning - Literally!
You might be wondering how a cardboard casket could be shaking up the traditional funeral scene. The designs of Outside the Box Caskets have won many awards, from winning two Australian Gold Good Design Awards to taking gold at the 2020 Australian Packaging Innovation & Design of the Year Award. Simply put, these caskets are award-winning.
 
The design includes clever and innovative folding mechanisms that increase the weight capacity of the casket. Each casket can hold up to 320kg, making it as stable as anything else in the business. No plastic, glue, or metal parts are used in the design. This makes them incredibly eco-friendly without taking away their stability and security.
 
Handles are handmade and attached to the casket, and the lid is secured with jute string. The design keeps in mind the little intricacies of the funeral process and allows you to honor your loved ones with as little stress as possible. Every detail is planned out, so all you have to do is purchase the perfect personalised casket for your loved one.
 
Outside The Box Caskets Are Sustainable and Personable
The caskets are designed by founder Becs Bartells, an experienced product designer and innovator. Becs specialises in crafting products that bring the personal to the traditional, and that has without a doubt been accomplished by Outside the Box Caskets.
 
Cardboard caskets have a reputation of being cheap or impersonal, but this is not the case! It may be cardboard, but the caskets are not cheaply made and can in fact be personalised much more than traditional caskets. Unlike other cardboard coffins, Outside The Box Caskets are certified for eco-friendly funerals. It is not about the materials used, but about the ability to leave a legacy rather than a large carbon footprint.
 
We understand that sustainable and eco-friendly caskets may not be for everyone. But if you are looking for something that is made with love, brings a unique and modern feel to a traditional funeral service, and helps the environment along the way, Outside the Box Caskets will be right for you!
 
Be unique and eco-friendly at the same time! Caskets are a final resting place built with love and care, and Outside The Box Caskets ensures that they will honour the deceased with style and security. 

Creative Ways to Personalise a Funeral
Some people say that funerals are for the living rather than the ones who have passed. Whether you agree or not, we all understand that funerals are an essential part of the mourning process and allow us to properly say goodbye to and honor our loved ones. It is important to create a funeral that is unique to your family and to the one who has passed.
 
However, it can be hard to think of ways to make a funeral more intimate or personal. Funerals are more than just mourning; they are a celebration of life and the beloved memories you share with your loved ones. Keep reading to find out creative ways to make a funeral that feels truly personal.
 
Incorporate Their Favourite Things
Funerals are a celebration of the life that has ended, and a great way to make it personal is to try and include all of the favourite things they enjoyed when they were alive. This can include:
- Flowers
- Music
- Books and poetry
- Food
- And so much more!
 
If they had a preferred flower or scent, you can decorate the space with it. Along these same lines, if they were a dedicated sports fan you could decorate the hall with the paraphernalia of their favourite team.
 
Charities or other organisations that your loved one interacted with are another great way to personalise a funeral. Encourage donations or even partner with their preferred organisation to make the day truly personal and selfless.
 
Create a New Kind of Guestbook
Consider throwing out the traditional guestbook for a more personal gift. It is customary for attendees to sign in at the front, but that can feel formal and awkward. Instead, guests could sign a picture frame of the deceased along with a personal message. They could also sign cards to be distributed to the family or buried in the casket.
 
If people are comfortable, they could even film a short video introducing themselves that could be incorporated into a large video showing all of the friends and family of the one who has passed.

Find a Personalised  Casket
Another way to create a truly unique funeral is to offer a personalised casket or coffin. There are so many variations out there, with eco-friendly cardboard caskets being just one of the many examples. Outside The Box Caskets is a company that offers personalised and sustainable coffins for your loved one. They even have a DIY casket that can be decorated by the family, allowing you to say goodbye in a truly memorable way.
 
In the end, funerals are already an extremely personal event that celebrates a life that has come to a close. Decorating the hall with their favourite items or finding a personalised casket are all ways to honor the one who has passed away. By putting in the effort to forge a creative and personal funeral, you are able to celebrate your loved one and feel closer to them than perhaps ever before.

Why Eco-Friendly Caskets are The Future

​We get it: talking about death is hard. The traditional funeral stands before us with all the steps planned out: a quality casket, a memorial, and a thoughtful service. Yet anyone who has experienced the planning and organisation of a funeral can tell you that they have one secret aspect people don’t usually know about: a carbon footprint.
 
Traditional caskets and coffins are made from mature trees that have been cut down. You’d be forgiven for not wondering about the production or the impact on the environment that comes from such a process. But in reality, coffins and caskets have a negative impact on the world around us. From someone who has spent their entire life trying to make a good impact on the environment to loved ones trying to leave behind a worthy legacy, this is upsetting news.
 
But you don’t have to choose between a quality resting place for your loved one and a green funeral. Eco-friendly caskets like the ones from Outside the Box Caskets are the perfect solution to honour your loved one without harming the world that they are leaving behind.

​Outside the Box Caskets Are Eco-Conscious and Heartfelt

You might be saying to yourself: an eco-friendly casket? What does that even mean? Well, it is exactly what it sounds like: an environmentally sustainable casket made from 100% natural and recycled materials. They contain no plastic or metal parts and are ethically sourced and produced locally, making them the best option to leave behind a loving legacy without worrying about the carbon footprint.
 
A big concern about an alternative, eco-conscious casket is the stability. Transportation and being laid to rest requires a casket to be moved, and you need a strong and stable structure to honour your loved one and ensure that they are as protected as possible. However, a casket doesn’t need to be made of timber to be stable. The sustainable materials from Outside the Box Caskets are permitted for funeral services with pallbearers and officially certified for Natural Burials and cremations, able to hold up to 320kgs.
 
Eco-friendly caskets can also be personalised making them the perfect way to memorialise and honour your loved one all the way to their final resting place. Outside the Box Caskets even offers a DIY kraft casket that allows loved ones to write personal messages, heartfelt goodbyes, and signatures on the casket. There really is no better way to sweetly say goodbye to the ones you love.
 
Eco-Friendly End of Life Choices Are Growing
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As more and more people turn towards the fight for a greener planet, we can also honour the ones who have left us. Eco-friendly caskets and end of life choices are becoming more common, allowing those who are so inclined to lessen their carbon footprint without sacrificing tradition or protection.
 
Please consider an eco-friendly casket for all burial or cremation needs. Because in the end, our primary impacts should not be on the environment, but on the lives we touched and the people we loved. 

​Below is an infographic created by Safe Passage Urns  to illustrate some alarming statistics regarding the environmental impact of burial funerals on our planet. The amount of resources required to create and transport timber caskets is astronomical.
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This infographic by Safe Passage Urns shows examples of the damage caused by burial funerals. It also sheds light on the acres of forest that is cut down for timber for caskets.
 
The more awareness on this topic, the more likely we are to start adopting more environmentally sustainable funeral practices, such as green burials and cremation. 

Why you should plan your funeral in advance
 
Whatever your age, any time is a good time to plan your funeral… except at the time of the funeral. Can you imagine planning a wedding in just a few days, or any celebration for that matter? So, why would you leave the ultimate celebration of your life to the last minute?

We don’t know what the future holds. But we can be certain of one thing – none of us are promised tomorrow and denying the reality of death doesn’t make it less true. In many ways, the most loving thing we can do is take care of as much as possible in advance. The future may be uncertain, but by planning ahead, you can make a difference in the lives of your loved ones.

1.     You’ll reduce family stress

If your wishes are unknown when you die, they will be faced with making difficult decisions at a trying time. Will they know if you wish to be buried or cremated? Will they agree on an open or closed casket? Will they agree on how much to spend? Confusion and disagreements are common occurrences when there is no plan to follow. The more of your funeral that you plan out in advance, the easier it will be for your family to execute on your instructions and wishes. Instead of calling funeral homes and comparing caskets, they’ll be able to focus their time on supporting each other. Taking care of your funeral arrangements is a thoughtful and caring thing to do for your family. It is comforting to know that you have done all you can do to ease their burden.
 
2. You’ll help ensure your wishes are met

Many people have ideas about what they would like done surrounding their death. Whether you feel that a burial is important for religious reasons or you’d prefer a lively celebration of your life over a sombre affair, planning your funeral in advance will help ensure that the things you find most important will happen. It also gives you a chance to inject some of your personality into the event and reflect on how you’ll be remembered.


3. You’ll help prevent family conflict
 
If you pass away unexpectedly and you haven’t outlined your funeral wishes, your family will be left to guess what you would have wanted. If two family members disagree, that can lead to a lot of unnecessary tension in the funeral planning process. Even if you’re certain you’ve mentioned to your family that you’d prefer cremation over a burial or the type of casket you’d like, grief can cloud memory, so the more you can record, the better. This also holds true for smaller funeral decisions, such as the songs you would want played. Each decision that you make (and record) in advance, is one fewer decision that your family members will need to make and one fewer opportunity for family tension.
 
4. Planning Can Save You Money

It’s quite common for families to overspend when a loved one dies. Often, the family wants “only the best” for their loved one or their financial decisions are clouded by grief. This is why it’s a good idea to plan ahead. You make financial decisions with a clear, rational mind rather than one affected by emotional strain. In this way, you can control the ending budget for the cost of your funeral. By doing this, you can save your family money in the long run.
 
Below are links to free information and downloadable guides to End Of Life Planning in New Zealand.

Health Quality and Safety Commission of New Zealand
https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/our-programmes/advance-care-planning/information-for-consumers/resource-overview/

End Of Life Services New Zealand
https://endoflife.services.govt.nz/create-my-plan#phase-582​

New Zealand Seniors
https://www.nzseniors.co.nz/funeral-insurance/discover/planning-funeral-first-steps