Are Caskets Biodegradable?
Did you know that traditional caskets can take decades and even centuries to break down? Even traditional wooden caskets with metal embellishments or thick varnishes aren’t entirely biodegradable.
These days, many people are looking for more environmentally-friendly options when it comes to burying their loved ones. They want an option that will respect the deceased’s beliefs and environmental concerns.
Luckily, there are now some great sustainable alternatives that won’t break the bank.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss biodegradable caskets, the differences between traditional and eco-friendly caskets, and the types of biodegradable caskets.
Are All Caskets Biodegradable?
No, traditional caskets are not biodegradable. They are typically made of materials that don’t break down easily, including treated wood, steel, and fiberglass.
You’ll often find that even if you choose a traditional wooden casket, the detailing, treatment, lining, and embellishments will make it non-biodegradable.
Many caskets are actually designed to last, with people choosing ones that will remain intact for as long as possible.
If you want a biodegradable casket, you need to actively search for eco-friendly options, like those on offer from Woodland.
How Traditional Caskets Decompose: A Breakdown by Material
Wood
Many people mistakenly believe that wooden caskets decompose quickly, but it can take between one to five decades for a traditional wooden casket to fully decompose. The specific time depends on how the wood is treated, the soil the casket is buried in, and the environment of the burial site.
Metal
If the soil is suitable and there isn’t too much water, a metal casket can take up to 80 years to decompose. In harsher conditions, it will still take more than 50 years to decay. Traditionally, people have chosen metal caskets for their durability.
Steel
Steel caskets are another popular choice for those looking for a casket that will last a longer period of time. They can take between 50 and 100 years to decompose. Unlike wood and greener materials, steel and metal aren’t as affected by the elements.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass caskets are one of the most durable options for traditional caskets, and they don’t decompose easily. They are highly resistant to the elements and can take centuries or even millennia to disintegrate fully.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Caskets
Traditional burials already have a negative impact on the environment with the use of toxic embalming fluid, concrete vaults, maintenance of graveyards, and more.
Traditional caskets add to that environmental damage in several ways. These metal, steel, and fiberglass caskets damage the environment by using materials that won’t break down naturally and benefit the local vegetation.
Treated wood caskets also add to the environmental damage by using chemicals to coat the wood. The wood used also often contributes to deforestation and is not locally sourced from trees that grow in abundance.
Traditional caskets also require an outer tomb that’s often a concrete vault. This is to protect the casket. Biodegradable caskets do not need the outer tomb since they are meant to decompose and become part of the natural environment.
Consider the Alternative
Biodegradable caskets are an excellent option for those who want a greener alternative when laying their loved ones to rest.
A biodegradable casket can be part of a green burial or a more traditional burial process to make your funeral more eco-friendly.
It’s a great way to honor your loved one and their lasting impact on this earth.
Types of Biodegradable Caskets
There are many types of biodegradable caskets available, and in this guide, we’ll highlight the most popular and eco-friendly options.
Untreated wood
Biodegradable coffins made from untreated wood are popular because they are more in line with what you’d expect from a casket that is environmentally friendly. They are aesthetically pleasing and can even have carvings and detailing to make them more beautiful. No toxic varnishing or synthetic liner is used in the process, and all handles and details are made of sustainable wood.
Wool
This may seem a little unorthodox, but wool is an extremely eco-friendly casket option. It decomposes quickly and does no damage to the environment. While it doesn’t look the way you’d expect a casket to look, it is effective and can also be beautifully crafted.
Cardboard
Cardboard coffins can be more respectful than you initially think. They’re created to be sturdy enough for transport and burial and they’re designed to disintegrate once they’re in the ground for long enough. The nice thing about a cardboard coffin is that you and your family and friends can decorate it yourselves, leaving notes and messages for your loved one.
Woven Fiber
These are popular for their looks alone. The woven materials add a certain charm to the burial. They’re often hand-crafted by specialists, and you can choose your shape. The materials used include willow, bamboo, seagrass, rattan, and cotton.
To Wrap Up
Losing a loved one is awful, and it's only natural that you’ll want to honor their passion for the environment during their burial. Biodegradable caskets are a wonderful, eco-friendly way to do just that.
While traditional caskets can take decades and even centuries to properly decompose, biodegradable caskets are designed to decompose and benefit rather than harm the surrounding environment.
Biodegradable coffins are not only sustainable, but they can be well crafted and beautiful as well.
