Way to go

End-of-life tips for going green

Be buried

Cremation is an energy-intensive process, and accounts for around 16% of all UK mercury emissions - from our teeth, of all things.

Become a tree

In a woodland burial that will eventually grow into a peaceful forest. (The Association of Natural Burial Grounds, 020 7359 8391)

Biodegrade

Papier-mâché or willow coffins can be just as smart as one made of oak. Cardboard coffins can be made individual if decorated with a drape or printed with (non-toxic) images.

Walk away

Arrange a procession to the funeral on foot - with musicians to suit.

Compost yourself

If you can hang on for a bit, a new burial method currently being developed in Sweden might be ready. The body is freeze-dried (taking out the 70% of us which is water) and broken down through vibration, so that the remains can be buried just below the surface of the soil. The ultimate in recycling.... (www.promessa.se)

These ideas and many more can be found in We Need To Talk About The Funeral - 101 Ways to Commemorate and Celebrate A Life, by Jane Morrell and Simon Smith. www.WeNeedToTalkAboutTheFuneral.com 

12 January 2007