Greenwashing
Green burial is slowly becoming a renewed style of burial within North America. Simply put, green burial is a way of caring for the dead that can reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, protect the health of the funeral providers, and preserve natural habitats. That being said, the option is still foreign to a lot of modern households. Is there any wonder why consumers are looking towards accreditation and certifications to guide their purchasing decision during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives? So who do you trust and what certifications really promise you and your family peace of mind?
Personally I suggest you start locally and then verify the provider through an industry accredited group. Just like the “Good Housekeeping” seal of years gone by, we know locally we can rely on Angie’s list or the BBB to provide fair consumer rating on a local business. With a company such as Flanner and Buchanan and Washington Park Cemetery Association there are years of data to validate reputable performance. Within the death care industry and in particularly in regard to green burial options I would recommend the nonprofit, standard –bearer, known as The Green Burial Council, or the GBC.
Flanner and Buchanan and Washington Park Cemetery Association believe that consumer transparency as it relates to business is a good policy. With the concern mounting over “greenwashing”, a term commonly used to describe misrepresentation within the environmental circle, the GBC encourage the FTC to create an oversight process for consumer. The petition submitted on March 4, 2011 The Green Burial Council formally petitioned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to assist in evaluating organizations involved in standard-setting and/or programs aiming to connect consumers with burial grounds, funeral homes and product manufacturers.
Nestled on the grounds of Washington Park North Cemetery and Funeral Center, Kessler Woods is an environmentally-sustainable burial option. Here, human remains are allowed to decompose naturally and recycle into new plant life.
Joe Sehee, Executive Director of the Green Burial Council shared that “the green burial movement has opened up choice for consumers in funeral service that only a minority of American knew were options a few years ago. But the growing number of associations and for-profit ‘dot orgs’ entering this arena suggests that a great deal of ‘greenwashing” could be coming our way. We’d like to see the FTC take a hard look at all the organizations, starting with our own.”
The FTC recently updated its “green guides” which are intended to inform both consumers and businesses on how to recognize empty or false claims. The agency is warning the public to be skeptical about a number of issues including the proliferation of eco-certifications programs run by entities that do not establish verifiable standards. So when someone tells you they offer green burial options, check them out.
Flanner and Buchanan Funeral centers in conjunction with Washington Park Cemetery Association will host a Green Burial Seminar October 15th 9 a.m. at 2702 Kessler Blvd., W. Drive. The seminar provides a general over view of green burials options in a relaxed no sales related forum. For information or reservations for this hour long presentation contact Bmilton@buchanangroup.org or call 418-6464.
Author – Barb Milton is the Vice President of Community Relations for Buchanan Group, Inc. Barb’s extensive industry background makes her a preferred guest speaker throughout the country regarding final expense decisions.
Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers