We are aware of the ecological dichotomy of the funeral industry and work to promote and facilitate the necessary changes required to sit comfortably and aligned with the global necessities of the climate and environmental crisis.
As part of our commitment to the environment and our communities we aim to empower people to make informed decisions and encourage environmental best practice in the funerals we deliver. For us, this means continual improvement in our environmental performance alongside consistent regulatory compliance. We will achieve best practice by working to objectives that minimise our environmental impact. We operate on evidence & advice available to us. We seek to improve and create further evidence base to educate and facilitate on more sustainable exists.
As standard practice, we offer a full range of sustainable and environmentally friendly coffins Following the findings from Planet Mark and the manufacturers of Parley Green and Life Art, carbon coffins with natural material handles and linings produce the lowest carbon emissions. We appreciate a cardboard coffin is not everyone’s preferred choice so will always discuss, advise and respect personal choice. We value our supply chain. Our willow coffins are all English willow, sustainably grown and independently crafted. We apply an environmental charge for those opting for a non-sustainable option.
Our selection of sustainable coffin choices can be viewed on our personal choices page.
Flowers can play a lovely part of a funeral celebration. Our preferred florists, Rebel Rebel, grow their own wild flowers in Norfolk, UK. No plastic or artificial oasis is used.
By sharing information about greener funeral choices in a gentle and positive way, we believe that this will help people to make funeral choices which are better for the environment. We encourage people to understand the environmental impact of different options. The best we can do is to share knowledge for people to make informed decisions. Our aim is ultimately to help decarbonise funeral care.
With great awareness of the environmental implications of the two current funeral choices we aim to provide information and resources to negate carbon emissions as much as we can with the options currently available to us.
Transport
As a team we work remotely to manage daily transportation emissions. For day to day operations, journeys are made by public transport, bicycle and foot.
Funeral vehicles are a significant contributor to the carbon footprint to every funeral.
To avoid putting more cars on the roads, we hire from existing fleets from reputable and responsible suppliers and funeral directors. Each supplier has been personally selected based on aligned codes of best practice. With commitment to reducing emissions, vehicles undergo regular services to ensure all vehicles run as clean and efficiently as possible.
We do not offer a funeral cortege of limousines as a standard offering. When providing family transport we hire smart, hybrid people carriers. We are always keen to encourage the use of an electric hearse - the current design of this can steer client decisions.
Working remotely allows Thereafter to facilitate funerals across London and the South East. Our main office is powered by renewable energy suppliers and operates with sustainability at the core of our practice.
For funeral facilities, we operate a unique premise share agreement with two fellow local, independent funeral directors. This is the contemporary funeral director adaptation of the more commonly known ‘workspace’. Shared resources result in a reduced footprint for all.
At each site we seek to manage our electricity and gas supplies to ensure minimum consumption through energy efficiency and improvement initiatives where possible.
Paperless office
We work to a clear desk and paperless office where possible. Paperwork is administered electronically unless paper copies are legally required.
Waste management
We are dedicated to minimising the use of single use plastics. We ensure that any materials that can be reused or recycled can be done so, separating and disposing of waste appropriately. Effective recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics and metals are up held at each site.
Amidst the global climate crisis, sustainability is no longer enough. Thereafter are proud to promote and provide Regenerative end of life choices
With fire cremation being the lead runner in funeral choices we are advocates and partners with Natural Transition promoting and encouraging public use of RTN, (Return to Nature) soil to create living memorials, a place to anchor grief whilst nurturing and protecting the environment for future generations.
Dedicated to our oceans, Thereafter are working alongside Resting Reef turning ashes into memorial reefs to restore marine life.
Details of these innovative products can be viewed on our Greener Choices page on our website
Thereafter are the recommended funeral directors at Abney Park Chapel Hackney.
Situated in one of the ‘magnificent seven’ cemetery parks in the UK, Abney Park Designated nature reserve in the heart of Hackney. Working with the Abney Park Trust we operate a voluntary program where our team and the families work with assist in the upkeep and clearance of this incredible and unique environment
Thereafter are the recommended funeral directors at Abney Park Chapel Hackney.
Situated in one of the ‘magnificent seven’ cemetery parks in the UK, Abney Park Designated nature reserve in the heart of Hackney. Working with the Abney Park Trust we operate a voluntary program where our team and the families work with assist in the upkeep and clearance of this incredible and unique environment
Committed to community here in N17, The team at Thereafter are regular participants in the Bruce Castle collective, joining for voluntary litter picking afternoons.
Thereafter's founder, Debbie Malynn has completed a Carbon Literacy training as hosted by Sarah Jones at Full Circle Funeral Directors with a pledge of commitment to honour and adhere to environmental practices across Scope 1, 2 and 3
Being a funeral director is rewarding but like all vocations, it can be challenging physically and emotionally at times. Working remotely, we recognise the importance of an extended network.
In addition to a structured process of reflection and supervision, we meet in person as a team at least once a quarter and share our challenges and good practice.
Connecting with the community and wider audience we proudly enjoy sharing information and findings at events and via regular journals and use of social media as a tool for sharing information.
We are proud to be a part of The Great Imagining, educating the next generation for a Greener Wiser, Farer future.
Debbie Malynn is a regular guest speaker at Kings College University London as a part of the Science, Tech & humanity BA Hons discussing death in the modern day and the future of the death industry socially and environmentally
Advocates and activists of changing the narrative around death and dying to promote healthier relationships with our biological destiny we delight in participating in events outside of the industry network.
Living Bankside’s, The Great Get Together, Southwark. ‘The ethos of the event, to build stronger communities and create a better public life and fairer world Thereafter interactive installation ‘Death or Cake’ provided Informative, entertaining, socially engaging with the community promoting and provoking conversations about death. Bloomin’ Dead provided an open and engaging platform to present and promote sustainable end of life choices.
© Thereafter Funeral Services Ltd. 2025 - . All rights reserved.
Company no. 14598863 - Registered office: 109 Pembury Road, London, N17 8LY