Simon Bain
New research by insurers CUNA Mutual reveals eco-funerals are on the up, with 77 per cent of Britons claiming they’d rather keep things sustainable, simple and ultimately more affordable.
Eco-friendly funerals on average cost thousands less than traditional funerals. Among the many options available, they can feature biodegradable cardboard coffins as opposed to chemically treated wood coffins which can cost under £200 helping to cut the cost of the average traditional funeral which can total £3000.
The poll also highlights that the majority of Brits (65 per cent) would prefer to have a tree planted in their memory rather than a headstone, which benefits the planet, and is significantly more affordable.
The UK-wide poll was commissioned by CUNA Mutual, who were founded in 1935 in the USA, accompanies the publication of a guide [available at CUNAMutual.co.uk] on preparing for funerals both financially and organisationally in terms of fulfilling the wishes of loved ones.
The survey of over 1,000 respondents was undertaken following CUNA Mutual research that revealed one in three university graduates could not find £2,000 to pay for an unexpected expense.
Unless the individual left behind in charge of paying for the funeral is in severe financial difficulty, little state-funded financial support is available, so finding thousands could put them in the red.
Paul Walsh, CEO of CUNA Mutual Group Europe, says: “For most of us, times have never been tougher financially. A large proportion of us are struggling to make it until payday, ending up with more month than money. What if your loved ones had to find thousands tomorrow to cover the cost of your funeral? The majority of those surveyed don’t have a funeral plan, which is why we have launched the CUNA Funeral Guide; to help prepare people and help prevent your loved ones getting in debt. Discussing your funeral may not be the ideal dinner party conversation, but it is an important one to have.”
As well as a change in attitude towards more eco-friendly funerals, the poll found 60 per cent of Britons want a non-religious ceremony and 87 per cent want their final send-off to be a celebration of their life rather than a sombre event. Banishing the stiff upper lip stereotype, most British people are keen to allow personality to shine through over tradition- 57 per cent would prefer rock ’n roll classics rather than traditional hymns, and 72 per cent want everyone to dress casually rather in black. Shocking to some, these emerging trends could be seen as very pedestrian in comparison with other cultures.
In the Tanatoraga region of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, when a local dies, his or her body is preserved and kept in the family home whilst funeral preparations are made. The deceased is propped up in a seat at the dinner table with friends and family as if he or she were still alive. Visitors to the house are encouraged to “greet” the deceased upon entry and ask the deceased for permission to leave.
In the African nation of Ghana, local craftsmen make unusual shaped coffins. For example, a carpenter can be buried in a coffin shaped like a giant hammer; a cobbler can be buried in a polished black shoe; or someone wanting to ride in style to the great beyond can be buried in a Mercedes-shaped coffin. Even the most low-key of funerals can cost more than you can afford. Almost 70 per cent of Britons do not have a funeral plan, which can ensure that there are sufficient funds when needed.
Despite British people having very set ideas of what they want for their funeral and 54 per cent want a personal hand in the planning of the event and three quarters want to pay for it themselves, 69 per cent have not planned ahead and don’t have a funeral plan.
Walsh concluded: “At CUNA Mutual, we are working with numerous partners to ensure that consumers are better enabled to plan for the future, via funeral plans and life assurance policies so they have the funds and resources they need when they need them.”
Rosie Inman-Cook from the Natural Death Centre says: “Green and alternative funerals have increased in popularity in recent years. Not only for the sustainable and environmental benefits but also the significant savings that can be made; £1000 can very easily be spent on a gravestone and that is additional to the funeral cost. This research proves that the sustainability message is hitting home and also that people are starting to embrace alternative memorial methods.”