Sustainable Archives - UK Memorials

Green funerals and sustainably crafted memorials have never been higher in demand. With many keen to lower their carbon footprint, it is unsurprising that memorials have had a greener shift too. At UK Memorials, we have always been passionate about the environment. So, we wanted to share some of the ways in which craft with a mindfulness of the environment.

Sustainable Craftsmanship

Utilising renewable energy is perhaps the biggest way that UK Memorials operates sustainably. Just six months after we moved onsite, we had a wind turbine installed. A number of years later the biomass boiler arrived. This has given us two renewable sources of energy for our workshops, offices and the Price family home! Consequently, our business is run more efficiently in terms of our energy usage. This year, we also installed solar panels – expanding our green energy structure one step further. We care about our environmental impact, and we care about the customers that we provide for. This is why we continue to make significant sustainable changes for our business.

We are keen to advocate for the idea that even the seemingly insignificant eco-conscious acts make a difference. Whether caring for the wildlife to increase biodiversity, planting up a small patch of wildflowers, or making an effort with your recycling – every little helps. These are all things that we like to implement within our business, which in turn gives you the peace of mind that you are purchasing a memorial that has been crafted with the environment in mind.

Memorials Suitable For A Natural Burial Ground

The majority of our memorials that would be suitable for a natural burial ground are crafted from wood. While this might feel like your options are limited, we specialise in bespoke memorials and will aim to get these pieces just right for you. With options when it comes to timber, style and design, there is versatility to play with even within sustainable measures. The most common timbers that we work with for sustainable memorials are Oak, Iroko and Balau.

Oak is known for its traditional class, Iroko is ideal for an outdoor memorial due to its natural oiliness and Balau has a reputation for durability. While these are three timbers that we would recommend for a sustainably crafted wooden memorial, please do enquire about any other timbers that we craft with. We’d love to find the perfect match for you and our experienced team are in a position to support you through the process.

It is also worth noting that some natural burial sites also permit small slate memorials which we also craft. Slate is becoming one of our favourite materials to work with due to is versatility and classic appearance with each piece that we craft.

Memorials Crafted From PaperStone

PaperStone is one of our newer materials, but it is one that our team have really got behind. The material itself is made up of layers of recycled paper and cardboard, before being saturated with a petroleum-free, pigmented natural resin. The resin, much to our surprise, has been extracted from the shells of cashew shells!! Once the elements have been pressed together under extreme heat, PaperStone is formed. This lightweight, sustainable material would be perfect for someone looking for a low-carbon memorial. As far as eco-friendly memorials, you’ll be challenged to find something as well-suited and unique as our sustainable memorials crafted from PaperStone.

Eco-Friendly Caskets

While sustainably crafted memorials are growing in demand, as are eco-friendly caskets – particularly for natural burials or the sustainably conscious. Our eco-friendly caskets are crafted from Oak, just as many of our other caskets are. However, the big difference is that our eco-friendly caskets don’t require metal fixings. We use wooden doweling to fix the box together. This may be a requirement of a natural burial site, or you may find it to your preference.

Nothing is too much trouble for our team. You won’t miss out just because you’re choosing an eco-friendly casket – we want to make these memorials work for you as best as we can. These caskets can be crafted in several sizes, and we can even laser engraved the box so that you don’t miss out on what a plaque might have offered you. Do get in touch with us to find out more.

If you’re at all curious about our crafting processes or our materials, please do get in touch with us. As a member of the Association Of Green Funeral Directors and a business partner of The North Devon Biosphere, we know that these conversations are important – particularly for those who are passionate about securing a sustainable memorial. We craft and operate as consciously of the environment as possible. We aim to do this without compromising on the quality that we deliver to you. Our experienced and award-winning team would love the opportunity to come alongside you to bring together an eco-friendly memorial.

Telephone: 01769 561355 | Email: sales@uk-memorials.net | https://linktr.ee/thesignmaker

Over the past number of years, there has been a considerable increase in individuals choosing a natural burial. With natural burials having a lesser negative impact on the environment, it is easy to see why a green burial may be preferable. Natural burials have also been considered a more gentle way of coming to rest, allowing the individual to ‘return to the earth’ as a means of conserving it. As a manufacturer of memorials for all, and in keeping with our own sustainable ethos, ensuring that we offer a range of memorials that would be suitable for a natural burial is something that we are passionate about. This is why when we stumbled upon PaperStone, we were glad to be able to add this material to our growing memorial range.

What Is PaperStone?

You might be wondering, what is PaperStone? Fortunately, we can explain a little more about how this material comes together. PaperStone is a unique material constructed of recycled FSC paper and cardboard layered up and bound with a petroleum-free, pigmented natural resin (the photo below illustrates what it looks like on the inside). Fun fact – the resin is extracted from the shells of cashew nuts! These layers are pressed under extreme heat thus creating PaperStone. It is smooth to the touch, lightweight and (perhaps above all), sustainable. PaperStone is supplied to us in a range of select colours, and we can work with this material to achieve a wide range of results.

PaperStone Memorials | UK Memorials | Sustainable, Eco-friendly and perfect for natural burials

When we put PaperStone to the test, we were in awe of the way that it showcased a variety of designs. From intricately detailed imagery to bold and simple designs, this versatile material is something special! These qualities should allow you to design a memorial that is just what your mind’s eye imagines. This is something that we pride ourselves on doing across each memorial that we craft. We appreciate how tough it can be to go through the process of ordering a memorial which is why we make each piece to order so that we can get your memorial just right for you. From size, shape and design – our priority is that you receive a memorial that celebrates and honours the life you are celebrating.

Benefits Of A PaperStone Memorial

PaperStone is a one-of-a-kind material, and, in our safe hands, it is the perfect sustainable choice. The product is crafted from recycled materials while also being, in itself, recyclable. In addition, we craft all of our memorials with sustainable processes including renewable energy and recyclable packaging while also caring for our local environment and reducing our carbon footprint where possible. For a memorial with a minimal impact on the environment but a quality finish, PaperStone Memorials, crafted by UK Memorials, is the perfect pick for you.