THE COP26 Climate Change summit has focused minds on ways that individuals can play their part in reducing carbon emissions writes our obituaries sponsor Steven Linde of Crewe Funeral Services.

More than 80 per cent of funerals involve cremation and a single cremation generates greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to a car travelling 2,280 miles.

So what can be done to reduce the climate impact of a funeral?

Although alternatives to cremation are being explored these are some way from being available e.g. Resomation tested in Sweden is a process of placing a body in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperature so that it naturally reduces to a powder without any carbon emissions.

So what options are available now?

Woodland Burial

An environmentally-friendly alternative is a woodland burial in a peaceful countryside setting, where a loved one can rest in peace with nature. Trees planted to mark the grave provide a lasting memorial and an environment for wild plants, flowers and birds to thrive.

And of course as a bonus the trees help reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere. Woodland burial is normally no more expensive than burial in the local cemetery yet provides a more peaceful and natural setting.

Eco – Friendly Cremation

Cremations can also be eco-friendly if a little extra thought is put into the arrangements. Coffins made from completely natural woven materials such as wicker offer a dignified and less formal option.

Wicker grows quickly and naturally so is completely sustainable, growing continually for up to 60 years. Other alternatives are coffins made from recycled cardboard which can be plain or with colourful designs such as flowers, seaside, sunset or garden birds.

Flowers

Rather than using imported flowers with a large carbon footprint why not use flowers or foliage from your own garden. I like to decorate wicker coffins with ivy woven around the sides and a selection of wild flowers or berries – holly at this time of year.

One client said to me last week, "I expected mum's funeral to be a sad affair, but when I saw the wicker coffin brightly decorated with flowers I found it quite uplifting and it helped us really celebrate her life."

Clothing

We encourage dressing your loved one in natural fibres in order to minimize the release of pollutants during the cremation process.

Coffin linings made from cotton, linen or jute are ideal for cremation and are also naturally biodegradable for woodland burials.

Transport

For years it's been traditional for a coffin to be transported on a loved one's final journey in a hearse. The government's intention to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles has led to the recent development of an electric powered eco-hearse.

As these become a viable alternative they will help reduce the carbon emissions of a funeral.

What about limousines? These days when most families have their own vehicles, do you really need limousines for transport? Why not use the family car?

So with a little extra thought put into the funeral arrangements we can all do something to help reduce the impact of climate change. If you've got to go, go green!

Steven Linde is the Funeral Director of Crewe Funerals Services and Cycle of Life eco-friendly funerals.