Funeral homes in L.I. offer green burials
Long Island Business News, Nov 3, 2009 by Bernadette Starzee
While “death is toxic” might sound like a bumper sticker phrase, it is a true statement, at least in modern times. Embalming involves the use of formaldehyde, a carcinogen, while coffins often contain chemical stains and glues. In addition, burials in steel caskets prevent decomposition, in which microbial activity enriches the soil.
Along with a groundswell of interest in protecting the environment, there is a growing trend nationally toward eco- friendly funerals and burials. A small but increasing percentage of individuals are choosing a more natural exit, such as skipping the embalming, and recommuning with the earth in a shroud or via a biodegradable wicker casket.
Although it’s an option unknown to most Long Islanders, four Long Island funeral homes have recently become certified by the Green Burial Council, an association based in Santa Fe, N.M., in an effort to prepare for increased interest in the subject. According to the association’s Web site, the goal of a green burial is to “reduce the carbon emissions, waste and the use of toxic chemicals in the cemetery/funeral field and utilize burial as a means of acquiring, restoring and stewarding natural areas.”
“When people in our community start looking for greener options, we will be prepared,” said Kenneth T. Rothwell, who owns O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. “We’re still in the education phase right now.”
Moloney Family Funeral Homes Inc., which has six locations in Suffolk County, also became certified in June. “We serve a diverse community, and in order to meet all the needs of the community, we thought it was important to provide this option,” said Peter Moloney, co-owner, who said the company has had several requests for green prearrangements. “It appeals to a small percentage of the population, people who like the idea of just being put back in the earth without an ornate casket or a stone,” Moloney said.
Since it became certified in June, O’Connell has had about eight to 10 clients make prearrangements for a green burial, Rothwell said.
Fairchild Sons Inc. in Manhasset and The Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown also recently became certified. “We felt it was the way society was going,” said Steve Actisdano, funeral director for Fairchild, who said that, since getting certified last month, the funeral home has not yet marketed the service or had any requests for prearrangements.
O’Connell, on the other hand, has carpet cleaning peoria az begun spreading the word through local newspaper advertisements and speaking engagements on the topic, and is in the process of revamping its Web site to include a dedicated section.
Moloney prominently displays the Green Burial Council logo on its Web site and gently tells family members about this option when discussing funeral arrangements.
While green burials are not yet on the radar of the majority of the population, the growing trend is reflected in the Green Burial Council’s membership, said Joe Sehee, executive director. “We had a dozen members when we started almost five years ago, and now we have about 300,” Sehee said. Members include funeral homes, cemeteries, cremation distribution programs and manufacturers. “It’s part of a larger trend toward more sustainable products, practices and lifestyles, but it’s bigger than that,” Sehee said
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