by Marzia Fialdini
In this period traditionally dedicated to the commemoration of the dead, and if we consider an ecological living as the primary mean to improve the environment, then we should perhaps reflect on the fact that humans continue to pollute even after their death. How? It may seems incredible, but every funeral is a real threat to the environment: the coffins are often made with precious woods and toxic paints are used, cemeteries require expensive maintenance and a big quantity of pesticides is used to keep intact and fresh floral arrangements.
The new frontier of ecology then passes from the cemetery: the end of a life can represent a new impetus to the environment. Last year in March the first eco-friendly cemetery was inaugurated in Blackley, a small town near Manchester, central England city. In this area the bodies of the dear departed were placed in biodegradable and free of carcinogens coffins and marble slabs have been replaced by a rough stone or a tree, on which was engraved a figure, so that the earthly remains are uniquely traceable. Furthermore, the hearse has become electric and there is no need of gardeners, because the nature, running its course, thinks of everything. In the United Kingdom in a short time the green cemeteries have already reached 228 units.
In Holland, the environmentalists have proposed a fascinating idea: growing a tree from one’s ashes, helping to give new life to the Planet. In Australia on July 1 a somehow “revolutionary” eco-cemetery was inaugurated: no tombstones, so, to record and locate the exact position of the deceased, you have to use the GPS. The zero-impact cemetery is the St. Francis Field (owes its name to St. Francis of Assisi), at the Kemps Creek Cemetery in the western suburbs of Sydney. It currently has a capacity of 300 people, 300 real eco-dead who will reduce their footprint on the environment in life as in death. How? Everything inside the cemetery is natural and environmentally friendly: from biodegradable coffins made without the use of chemicals and with a zero emissions process, to the procedure of preparation of the body that takes place without using preservatives and disinfectants, thus facilitating the natural recycling. The use of a site is granted for a period of 30 years, after which it can be further renewed.
And in Italy? In our country since 2007 biodegradable coffins are available, but they are certainly not the most popular. However in 2010, for the first time, a design object called November Rain, focused on the importance of water, was created to use in cemeteries: it is life, so recover it, store it and reuse it are noble gestures that every human being should do even after his death. November Rain is a project of Andrea Vecera for a self-sufficient tomb, which recovers the water and also use it to generate electricity to power a led.
Nature has given us life, therefore it’s right that the body, after being buried, goes back to Her again. The cycle continues.
The new frontier of ecology then passes from the cemetery: the end of a life can represent a new impetus to the environment. Last year in March the first eco-friendly cemetery was inaugurated in Blackley, a small town near Manchester, central England city. In this area the bodies of the dear departed were placed in biodegradable and free of carcinogens coffins and marble slabs have been replaced by a rough stone or a tree, on which was engraved a figure, so that the earthly remains are uniquely traceable. Furthermore, the hearse has become electric and there is no need of gardeners, because the nature, running its course, thinks of everything. In the United Kingdom in a short time the green cemeteries have already reached 228 units.
In Holland, the environmentalists have proposed a fascinating idea: growing a tree from one’s ashes, helping to give new life to the Planet. In Australia on July 1 a somehow “revolutionary” eco-cemetery was inaugurated: no tombstones, so, to record and locate the exact position of the deceased, you have to use the GPS. The zero-impact cemetery is the St. Francis Field (owes its name to St. Francis of Assisi), at the Kemps Creek Cemetery in the western suburbs of Sydney. It currently has a capacity of 300 people, 300 real eco-dead who will reduce their footprint on the environment in life as in death. How? Everything inside the cemetery is natural and environmentally friendly: from biodegradable coffins made without the use of chemicals and with a zero emissions process, to the procedure of preparation of the body that takes place without using preservatives and disinfectants, thus facilitating the natural recycling. The use of a site is granted for a period of 30 years, after which it can be further renewed.
And in Italy? In our country since 2007 biodegradable coffins are available, but they are certainly not the most popular. However in 2010, for the first time, a design object called November Rain, focused on the importance of water, was created to use in cemeteries: it is life, so recover it, store it and reuse it are noble gestures that every human being should do even after his death. November Rain is a project of Andrea Vecera for a self-sufficient tomb, which recovers the water and also use it to generate electricity to power a led.
Nature has given us life, therefore it’s right that the body, after being buried, goes back to Her again. The cycle continues.
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