Rise in demand for woollen coffins

In the past year, Hainsworth, one of the UK's leading textile mills, has witnessed a 700% rise in demand for its woollen coffins.

At the same time, dissatisfaction with traditional funeral services has driven up the number of eco-funerals to more than 50,000 a year – a 100% rise on five years ago. These funerals include interments at unconventional sites, and coffins made from alternative materials such as wicker and cardboard, as well as cash payments to offset the service's carbon dioxide emissions. Some people choose to forgo a coffin and are buried in a simple shroud.

Over the same five-year period, the number of natural burial grounds across the UK has risen by more than 20%, from 220 to 270. These include communal woodland areas and private land that have been granted planning permission for burials. Councils have also converted corners of municipal cemeteries.

This is an article from the Guardian Website – to view the article in its entirety – please visit: 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/11/eco-funerals-fleece-woollen-coffins