We live in an environmentally conscious society. It is common to enquire about the effect on the atmosphere of virtually any activity. Funerals are no exception. We hope the following points will be of reassurance.

Our wooden coffins use only solid or veneer timber that comes from renewable forests, managed on a sustained yield basis.

Forest timber residues created during the forestry timber process and recycled timber is mixed with a special resin and pressed to manufacture chipboard. The board for our coffin is of E1 grade and virtually nil formaldehyde content.

Our coffin manufacturer takes environmental responsibilities seriously. Modern manufacturing systems allow the total recycling of wood waste to be reused back into chipboard production, ensuring 1OO% of the raw material is used.

By spraying film out to the surface of the wood. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 specifies a reduction of solvent emissions. They have fully complied with this by using new water based and compliant polishes, and the best application methods.

Is Embalming necessary?

It is difficult to find support for routine embalming in the medical profession. There is no evidence that a body poses a threat to the living, except where death was due to a notifiable disease. No evidence exists of funeral directing, cemetery or crematorium staff obtaining an infection from an unembalmed body. Embalmers suggest that the process thoroughly disinfects the body and removes any risk, however slight, to any person who may come into contact with the body. Conversely, it would be logical to assume that if a real health risk existed, embalming would be mandatory. In fact, when a person dies of a notifiable disease, embalming is not allowed.

The effect of embalming fluids on soil, soil organisms and air quality following burial or cremation needs further independent research. Our ignorance of the consequences of using these chemicals is a cause for concern. Funeral Directors and embalmers carry no responsibility for its impact on the cemetery, crematorium or community.

Woodland Burial

Woodland graves provide an alternative, natural form of burial , in which the accumulating graves will remain forever in a newly created forest. The area Clayton Wood near Brighton has been planned to recreate a traditional woodland and provides important environmental benefits for the encouragement and protection of wildlife.