Welcome to our weekly newsletter, focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. Our science and climate team delves into a unique green death practice, exploring the concept of being buried in a coffin made of fungi and its impact on the environment.
This week’s highlights include the availability of eco-friendly burial options, the slow progress of corporate climate targets, and the repercussions of compostable products turning into litter.
The natural burial area at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, Ont., offers a serene setting where bodies return to nature, promoting life through death. One innovative offering is the Loop Living Cocoon, a coffin crafted from upcycled hemp fibers and mycelium, a material used in sustainable products. Priced at $3,750, this coffin biodegrades in the soil, aligning with customers’ values of giving back to the earth.
The inventor, Bob Hendrikx of Loop Biotech, emphasizes the environmental benefits of natural burials, citing mushrooms as nature’s recyclers. The coffin’s rapid biodegradation process contrasts with traditional coffins, which can take decades to decompose, potentially leaching harmful chemicals into the soil.
Research indicates that conventional burial practices have significant carbon footprints, with cremation emitting around 200 kilograms of CO2-equivalent per person and burial surpassing 800 kilograms. Despite these impacts, the popularity of natural burials is on the rise, reflecting a shift towards sustainable death practices.
As compostable products gain traction as alternatives to single-use plastics, their environmental impact raises concerns. Marketplace findings reveal that many compostable items fail to decompose effectively in natural environments, perpetuating the issue of waste mismanagement. The lack of standardized composting facilities across cities complicates the disposal of compostable products, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and consumer education.
Manufacturers defend their compostable products, emphasizing compliance with industry standards. However, environmental advocates urge consumers to prioritize reusables over compostables, stressing the importance of sustainable choices in waste management.
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