As a small, independent funeral director in the UK, we understand the profound impact we have on the community and the environment. We are committed to providing dignified, personal, and sustainable funeral services that honour the wishes of the deceased and their families while minimizing our ecological footprint. This policy outlines our dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner, from our daily business practices to the funeral options we offer.
We believe that being green starts at home. We will strive to reduce our environmental impact in our day-to-day operations by:
Minimising Waste: We will implement a 'reduce, reuse, recycle' policy for all office materials. We will use digital documentation wherever possible to reduce paper and printing, and we will use recycled and recyclable paper when printing is necessary. We will provide recycling bins for paper, cardboard, and other materials. We will also work with our suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste in the products we receive.
Energy Efficiency: We will monitor and reduce our energy consumption by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances. We will ensure lights and equipment are switched off when not in use and that our premises are well-insulated to minimise heating requirements. We will also explore the use of renewable energy providers to power our premises.
Responsible Sourcing: We will favour environmentally friendly and sustainable products for our office supplies and cleaning materials. We will also prioritise sourcing from local suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support our local economy. This includes all supplies, from stationery to funeral-related products.
We are dedicated to offering a range of eco-friendly choices to our clients, ensuring that a sustainable farewell is an accessible option for everyone.
Coffins and Shrouds: We will provide a wide selection of sustainable and biodegradable coffins and shrouds. This includes options made from materials such as cardboard, willow, wicker, bamboo, wool, and untreated wood from sustainable, certified sources (such as the Forest Stewardship Council). We will ensure all coffins we sell are sourced from reputable suppliers who adhere to sustainable forestry and manufacturing practices.
Embalming and Natural Care: We will educate our clients on the environmental impact of embalming, which uses chemical fluids, and offer natural, dignified alternatives. We will promote the use of refrigeration to care for the deceased between death and the funeral, as this is a more environmentally-friendly approach. We will only perform embalming when it is a specific requirement, such as for an open casket funeral, and will offer an option to use a formaldehyde-free fluid.
Green Burial Options: We will actively promote and facilitate natural and woodland burials. We will work with a network of approved natural burial grounds in the UK and provide comprehensive information on the benefits and process of a green burial, which allows a body to return to the earth naturally. We will advise on the requirements for green burials, such as the use of biodegradable coffins or shrouds and avoiding embalming.
Cremation Considerations: For families choosing cremation, we will provide information on the environmental impact of traditional gas cremations and discuss how this can be mitigated. We will encourage the use of biodegradable coffins and advise against non-biodegradable clothing or accessories. We will also recommend that families choose a local crematorium to reduce transport emissions and provide information on crematoria that have invested in modern, more energy-efficient equipment. We can also provide information on options for the ashes, such as scattering them in a specific location or using them to plant a memorial tree.
Reducing Transportation: We will aim to use our vehicles as efficiently as possible and will offer clients options to reduce the carbon footprint of the funeral procession, such as using an electric or hybrid hearse if available, or a horse-drawn carriage. We will also encourage carpooling among attendees and offer our services to live-stream the funeral for those who cannot attend in person.
We will take a proactive role in promoting sustainable funeral practices within our community.
Education and Transparency: We will be open and transparent about our environmental policy and the eco-friendly choices available to our clients. We will provide clear and easy-to-understand information to help families make informed decisions through our website, brochures, and in-person consultations.
Memorials and Tributes: We will offer sustainable alternatives to traditional stone memorials, such as planting a tree, sponsoring a bench made from sustainable materials, or donating to a local conservation charity. We will also advise on using locally sourced, seasonal, and biodegradable flowers for floral tributes and encourage families to consider planting a memorial garden.
Continuous Improvement: We will regularly review this policy and our business practices to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact and improve our sustainability performance. We will seek feedback from our clients and staff and stay informed about new technologies and products in the sustainable funeral industry.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations. We will measure our progress against our goals and look for new opportunities to lead the way in sustainable funeral care.
Version 2.0, September 2025
Heathfield, Horam, Vines Cross, Burwash, Burwash Weald, Cross In Hand, Waldron