Sustainable Caskets

Eco-Friendly Farewells in New Zealand 

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our daily choices. This conciousness has extended to all aspects of life - and death. As more people in New Zealand seek to minimise their ecological footprint, even in their final farewell, the demand for eco-friendly funeral options and sustainable caskets has surged. At the forefront of this movement in New Zealand is the Waterford Range of caskets, offering a sustainable choice for those who wish to honour their loved ones while caring for the planet.

The Rise of Eco Conscious Funerals

Traditional funeral practices often involve materials and processes that can harm the environment. From formaldehyde-based embalming fluids to non-biodegradable caskets, many conventional funeral elements can negatively impact our ecosystems.

 

However, with increasing environmental awareness, many New Zealanders seek alternatives such as sustainable caskets that align with their values and desire to protect our beautiful country's natural resources.

Choices in Sustainable Caskets: The Waterford Casket

The Waterford casket stands out as a beacon of sustainability in the funeral industry. These caskets have earned the prestigious Eco Choice Aotearoa license, a testament to their comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship. But what makes these caskets so special?

Sustainably Sourced Timber

The journey of a Waterford casket begins with responsibly sourced pine. Working in partnership with NZ Forest Managers, who hold Forest Stewardship Council Certification for 57,000 hectares of planted forest, Windsor Industries ensures that every tree used is part of a sustainable cycle. These forests are managed carefully, implementing thorough water management systems, pest control measures and monitoring programs for native species such as the New Zealand Falcon.

Eco-Friendly Production Process

The commitment to sustainability continues throughout the production process. Unlike conventional caskets that may use toxic glues and finishes, Waterford caskets are crafted using non-toxic, water-soluble glues and water-based stains and sealers. This choice reduces the environmental impact and makes these caskets suitable for natural burials, allowing the body to return to the earth in the gentlest way possible.

Waste reduction and recycling

One of the most innovative aspects of the Waterford Range's production is its approach to waste management. The manufacturing process is designed to minimise waste at every step. Cutting machines are programmed to make optimal use of wood materials, reducing offcuts. But the commitment doesn't stop there. Any wood shavings or sawdust produced are compressed into fire briquettes, eliminating up to 90% of waste product. These briquettes can be used for BBQs and home heating, turning what would have been waste into a useful material and reducing landfill.

Natural burial suitability

Natural burials aim to return the body to the earth with minimal environmental impact. The caskets construction from untreated, sustainable timber, finished with non-toxic materials, aligns perfectly with the principles of natural burial. This allows the body to decompose naturally, nourishing the soil and supporting the growth of native plants above.

A tree for a life

Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of choosing sustainable caskets is the promise of new life it brings. For every solid timber casket sold, Windsor Industries donates a native tree to be planted in a reserve through the Trees That Count programme. This initiative not only offsets the environmental impact of the casket but also creates a living memorial. Families receive a certificate acknowledging this gift; there's even the option to set up individual memorial tree registries. It's a beautiful way to ensure that as one life ends, another begins, contributing to a greener future for New Zealand.

Opting for an eco-friendly casket like those in the Waterford Range has far-reaching benefits beyond the immediate environmental impact:

Supporting sustainable industries: By choosing these caskets, consumers encourage and support businesses prioritising environmental responsibility.

 

Raising awareness: Each eco-friendly funeral offers an opportunity to educate others about sustainable choices, even in end-of-life decisions.

 

Preserving natural resources: Using sustainably sourced timber and minimal waste production helps conserve our precious natural resources.

 

Reducing carbon footprint: These sustainable caskets have a significantly lower carbon footprint from production to disposal than traditional options.

 

Promoting biodiversity: The tree planting initiative contributes to reforestation, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Other Eco-Friendly Funeral Practices

While choosing sustainable caskets is a significant step, there are other ways to make a funeral more environmentally friendly:

  • Natural burial sites: Consider a natural burial ground where bodies are interred in a way that doesn't inhibit decomposition, allowing the body to recycle naturally into the earth.
  • Biodegradable urns: Biodegradable urns that can be buried or dissolved in water are available for cremation.
  • Digital memorial services: Incorporating digital elements into the memorial service can reduce travel and significantly lower a funeral's carbon footprint.
  • Locally sourced flowers: Choose locally grown, seasonal flowers to reduce transportation emissions and support local agriculture.
  • Eco-friendly clothing: Opt for natural, biodegradable fibres for burial clothing.

The Future of Eco-Friendly Funerals

As environmental consciousness grows, we can expect further innovations in eco-friendly funeral practices. From biodegradable casket linings to carbon-neutral funeral services, the industry is evolving to meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers.

Choosing sustainable caskets like those in the Waterford Range is more than just a practical decision; it's a final act of love – both for the person who has passed and for the planet they called home. It's a way to honour a life lived while ensuring that life continues through new trees, cleaner soil, and a healthier ecosystem.

For those considering this option, it's important to discuss your wishes with your family and funeral director. Many funeral homes now offer eco-friendly options, and expressing your desire for a sustainable casket can help ensure your final wishes are respected.

In life, we strive to make choices that reflect our values and beliefs. The Windsor Range of caskets allows us to extend these choices to our final farewell. By choosing sustainable caskets, we can ensure that our last act is one of care and responsibility towards the planet we leave behind. It's a powerful way to leave a positive legacy, honouring both the life that has passed and the lives that will follow.

As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, every choice we make matters. Even in death, we have the opportunity to make a difference. The Waterford Range of caskets offers a way to do just that – to say goodbye with grace, dignity, and a lasting commitment to the health of our planet.

You can view and order sustainable caskets through one of our stockists – click here to find the one closest to you.