Within the UK, cremations are the most requested type of funeral, especially with the growing popularity of direct cremations. In fact, cremations recently reached an all-time high of 79.83%. Gen Z, however, is setting a new trend of its own.
16 – 24 years old voiced their opinions to The Farewell Guide survey. For the first time in ten years, a traditional funeral is now favoured by the age group:
- 41% of people surveyed would choose a traditional funeral over a cremation, and
- only 35% would prefer a cremation.
- Every age group over 25 preferred cremations to traditional funerals.
What is driving this trend towards traditional funerals?
The driving factor behind this new trend is environmental concern. Gen Z is very environmentally aware and has a strong commitment to sustainability. Cremations involve a far greater level of carbon emissions than traditional funerals.
A typical cremation in the UK releases approximately 160 to 190 kg of CO2, equivalent to driving a car 470 miles. This is far greater than traditional burials, however other factors with an environmental impact should be considered, such as:
- Land use
- Burial plot preparation
- Coffin material
- Embalming chemicals
- Burial site maintenance
It isn’t a simple comparison!
The Gen Z respondents favoured eco-funerals, an option gathering popularity across all age groups. Natural or woodland burial grounds generally only accept caskets that can break down easily into the natural environment. With these funerals, bodies are not embalmed. There are currently 300 natural burial sites across the UK, making it an increasingly accessible choice.
Currently, 5% of UK funerals involve natural burials. The growing influence of Gen Z is expected to sway their older relatives towards burials, especially natural ones. The demand for natural burials looks set to rise.
Austin’s family funeral directors offer the full range of funerals across Herts. This includes eco-burials in our peaceful and beautiful natural burial park. Our team is always available to talk through the preferences for funeral arrangements. We’re here to help.
