Few people are aware what the wood coffin they purchased to intern their loved one actually consists of. In most cases, as much as 87 percent of the coffin is made of chip or press board, which is covered with a veneer finish that consists of plastic or wood and decorated with fake (generally plastic) brass handles. The interior of the coffins usually contain formaldehyde, hydrochloric acids, dioxins and other toxic chemicals. In essence, they are burying their loved one in a toxic environment which is also seriously polluting the earth. Is that the final legacy they intended when they laid that loved one to rest?
Most likely it was not. Hazel Selina of Brighton, England was faced with this decision over 10 years ago through the unfortunate death of her first child. Upon realizing the toxicity of the average coffin of that day, she made the decision to create and manufacture an environmentally safe, biodegradable coffin to provide alternatives to the toxic coffin environments which were all that were available. After a number of years of experimentation Selina created the Ecopod. The Ecopod is a cardboard coffin made from recycled paper.
The Ecopod is constructed using a method very similar to the process for making papier-mâché. These environmentally friendly coffins are light weight (approximately 40 pounds) yet quite strong. Conformed in the shape of a seed, they can be ordered in plain or various colorful styles. Custom designs and made to order Ecopods are available. Many Ecopod purchasers order them long before they are needed and use them for miscellaneous storage needs. There are 2 standard sizes available, size one for height up to 5 feet 3 inches and weights of up to 210 pounds (95.25 kg) or size two for heights up to 6 feet and weights up to 252 pounds (114.30 kg).
In addition to green coffins, Selina’s company also creates environmentally safe and biodegradable urns. Designed to resemble an acorn, the green urns are safe for storing the ashes of your beloved following cremation. Both the Ecopod and the Acorn Urn are hand made of recycled paper and custom finished with paper made of recycled silk and mulberry leaves. Both are suitable for internment in traditional cemeteries as well as woodland sites. Over time they will naturally biodegrade after being placed in the ground. The Ecopod is also safe for cremations.
As the natural burial movement (turning you into a tree through the natural burial process) continues to gain momentum, the demand for Ecopod internment alternatives will continue to grow. Ecopods are available around the world. To learn more about Ecopod recycled Paper Coffins and the Natural Burial Movement visit Ecopod’s web site at www.ecopod.co.uk.
Resource: Recycled Paper Coffins – www.ecopod.co.uk
Tags: recycled paper coffins, natural burial movement, natural burial process, funerals, biodegradable coffins, environmentally friendly coffins