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Eco-Friendly Funerals
At Jerh. O’Connor Funeral Homes, we understand that many families today wish to make environmentally conscious choices when planning a funeral. We are proud to offer a range of sustainable and eco-friendly options that honour your loved one’s memory while caring for the world they leave behind.
Our environmentally responsible services include natural preparation and care of the deceased, biodegradable or sustainably sourced coffins, eco-conscious floral tributes, and guidance on green burial and cremation practices. Each element is thoughtfully designed to reduce environmental impact without ever compromising on dignity, tradition, or personal choice.
We believe that caring for your loved one and caring for the environment can go hand in hand. Whether you prefer a simple, natural farewell or a traditional service with sustainable touches, our experienced team will support you with compassion, understanding, and respect at every step.
Choosing an environmentally conscious funeral allows you to reflect your loved one’s values and create a farewell that feels both meaningful and responsible.
Our Options
In addition to our traditional range of coffins and caskets, we provide a selection of environmentally responsible options, including willow, pine, and water hyacinth coffins. Each of these is crafted using sustainable, recycled, or waste materials, with no varnishes, plastics, or metals.
In response to requests from our families, we proudly offer eco coffins that are handcrafted in Ireland.
Pine Coffin – Crafted by the Lynch Family in Ballymakeera, Co. Cork, our pine coffin is made without the use of screws or varnishes. Instead, it is sanded to a smooth finish, and the lid is secured using traditional wooden dowels. The interior is fully lined with natural, biodegradable materials.
Irish Willow Coffin – These beautiful handmade coffins are woven using locally sourced Irish willow. The bark is left intact, preserving the natural color variations of the wood. The lid is secured with natural rope and willow toggles, ensuring a fully biodegradable and environmentally responsible farewell.
Traditional Willow Coffins – Our willow coffins are handcrafted using traditional weaving techniques, forming a natural round-corner shape without the use of screws or synthetic adhesives. The lid is secured with natural rope and wooden toggles, and the interior linings are made from biodegradable, natural fabrics.
The Water Hyacinth Coffin – is made from an extremely fast-growing pond plant that, when harvested, helps prevent waterway congestion. Instead of being discarded as waste, this natural material is carefully woven onto a sturdy wooden frame. The lid and nameplate are secured with small wooden screws, and the interior is lined with natural, biodegradable fabrics.
We are equally committed to offering environmentally conscious cremation choices. Our range of eco-friendly urns provides a respectful and natural alternative to traditional materials, allowing families to honour their loved ones with grace and sustainability. We offer urns made from biodegradable and renewable materials such as willow, water hyacinth, and recycled cardboard. Each urn is carefully selected for its minimal environmental impact and ability to return gently to the earth.
Willow urns are handwoven using traditional techniques and shaped from fast-growing, sustainable willow. Their natural form and texture offer a soft, organic appearance, ideal for families seeking a graceful, eco-friendly memorial.
Water hyacinth urns are crafted from an abundant aquatic plant, making them fully biodegradable while also contributing to ecological balance by helping manage waterway growth. Their elegant weave and natural frame create a beautiful, sustainable tribute.
Cardboard urns are simple yet dignified, made from recycled, biodegradable materials and perfect for those who value sustainability and minimalism.
We also support natural burial practices wherever possible, including green burial grounds such as woodland or natural cemeteries where permitted. Each element of an eco-friendly burial is designed to reduce environmental impact while preserving the dignity and tradition that every family deserves. Our team is here to guide you through every detail, helping you honour your loved one in a way that reflects both care and conscience. At Jerh. O’Connor Funeral Homes, we are dedicated to providing families with meaningful, eco-friendly options that honour their loved ones, their wishes, and the environment.
