We believe in the importance of having a positive impact on the people we support,
the community, our team, and the world in which we live and work.
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 is 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.
Our standard coffin is a cardboard coffin. 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 this is not everyone’s preferred choice so will always discuss, advise and oblige personal choice. We apply an additional charge for those opting for a non-sustainable option.
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.
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, shared bills result in a reduced footprint for all.
At each site we will seek to manage our electricity and gas supplies to ensure minimum consumption through energy efficiency and improvement initiatives where possible
As a team we work remotely to manage daily transportation emissions. When traversing the country to facilitate funerals beyond our local area national trains are used as our go to.
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.
With fire cremation being the lead runner in funeral choices we are advocates and partners of RTN soil. We provide a ‘Socially Responsible Package’ where cremated remains are returned with the RTN soil providing clients the ability for ashes to be buried, scattered and recycled responsibly protecting the environment for future generations.
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
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.
A month-long event providing space within our community in a familiar everyday environment to remember, honour and celebrate those we have lost. We aim to see this as an annual event. Find out more about The Forever Club on our dedicated page.
