In Australia, it is becoming more common to choose coffins that reflect the personality and values of the occupant. Examples of the alternatives available include cardboard, wicker basket and home built. Even a shroud is now a possibility. All are becoming popular.
The typical shiny dark wooden coffin with ornate metal handles maybe familiar but we are no longer stuck with this left-over relic from the Victoria era. Too often such coffins are a ‘that’ll do’ choice made by a grieving relative who hasn’t given the matter any prior thought and who would rather be anywhere than in the coffin showroom at a funeral home. That mahogany is actually chip board coated with a veneer to achieve a shiny dark finish. The metal handles are plastic with a metal-like silver coating. The handles will have been imported from China.
We are now in the twenty-first century and people are starting to reject these curios of nineteenth century fashion. Values have moved-on.
Your environmentally-friendly coffin choices
For a start, there is more environmental awareness. There is also more opportunity for individualism rather than the strictures of Victoria society. Let’s face it, all coffins are either going to be buried or burnt. The desire for simplicity is also playing a part in changing attitudes. Cemeteries and crematoriums, initially reluctant, are playing catch-up. It is now much easier to have something different although policies vary from state to state so check first with the cemetery or crematorium.
Cardboard coffin
A cardboard coffin is the best-known alternative. The rise in popularity of the cardboard coffin is primarily environmental. The good ones are made from recycled paper. But they are not as cheap as one might imagine. A search on the net will bring-up offerings of cardboard coffins for around $1,000. The reason for the cost is because they have to be structurally sound. Before burial or cremation, most bodies spend some time in a cool room and the air in there is moist. The coffin has to remain rigid. They must also have a waterproof lining to ensure there are no unwanted leaks. If purchasing a carboard coffin, check that the lining is not plastic. The preferred option is a lining of corn starch biodegradable film.
Pine box coffin
A simple pine box with rope handles is also a sensible choice. The best are the ones used traditionally by the Jewish people. The rationale is that we are all the same in death and a burial is not an appropriate time for a display of wealth. Jewish coffins have flat lids and dowelled joints so as to avoid the use of metal screws. A search of the net ought to reveal a supplier in your state. You could also try looking-up Chevra Kadisha. These are the Jewish societies who care for the deceased.
Wicker coffin
Wicker coffins can be beautiful and they are now readily available in a variety of materials from rattan to seagrass. The most basic can be bought for around $1,000 but prices rise for the more aesthetic models.
Home-built coffin
A home-built coffin or simple oblong casket is an excellent alternative. Like the other choices, it needs to be structurally sound but not overbuilt so that it is not too heavy. Check with the cemetery or crematorium for their guidelines.
Shroud
Shrouds are becoming more common. However, they must have some form of cradle upon which to place the shroud. Crematoriums and cemeteries require this because their workers do not feel comfortable handling a body in a shroud unless it is supported by a base. An environmentally conscious organisation called ‘Earth Funerals’ has developed an excellent shroud. Natural fibres are used. When being transported the shroud sits on a cradle of cardboard tubes covered over with fabric. Handles can be placed in these tubes so that it easy to carry ready for cremation or burial. If it is to be buried, the shroud is placed over the grave, the wooden arms are then removed so that the shroud can be lowered into the grave using straps in the normal way.
In closing, there are increasingly more meaningful, eco-friendly options for conveying our loved ones to their final place of rest.
