Eco friendly and Sustainable Funerals with Amanda-Louise Lady Funeral Directors

Greener Choices

Unsure about the difference between eco and traditional? More people want to be climate positive so eco-friendly funerals, sometimes known as green funerals, are on the increase. Here at Amanda-Louise Lady Funeral Directors, we can help you reduce your funeral carbon footprint and we'll help repair the planet through planting trees, rebalncing footprints and improving your environmental impact

Amanda-Louise Funeral Services - Somerset's female led funeral director

Our Greener Choices

Being environmentally conscious is important to us as well as to many of our clients. There are many ways to have a funeral less harmful to the environment. We are here to help you make greener choices at every stage. Here's our suggested step approach to green and eco-friendly funerals:-

No Embalming

Embalming the body uses chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

Here at Amanda-Louise Lady Funeral Directors we do not embalm as routine when we prepare the body for the funeral and we would gently wash the body and leave them in their natural state. (But we are all about choices, so if you want embalming or its necessary then we can opt to use lower index embalming fluid).

Transport Choice

Rather than use the traditional hearse, consider the less fuel consumption of our adapted private hearse or we can hire an electric hearse for those who'd like to reduce the carbon footprint of their final journey.

Coffin Choice

We will talk you through the natural materials of liners and options of more sustainable materials of name plates. In our comprehensive range of coffins, we have shown the greener choices made from materials such as willow, cardboard, and wool, including those that are harvested and hand weaved here in Somerset. Even the hay that goes into the coffin pillow is sourced from their local fields. Or consider the wool felt shroud instead of a coffin. And from the wood range, our pine choice is the most sustainable option. We also can source the living coffin

Coffin Flowers

Our florists would opt to work with seasonable flowers using foam free or wire frames. A planted eco floral funeral wreath which will continue to flower after the ceremony on a grave is a kinder choice; its made onto a wire frame which can be repurposed and natural twine with moss. Those are better in the spring due to more colour and suitable bulb availability, whereas autumn or winter wreaths are planted with heathers or pansies and foliage plants.

Other coffin spray bases could be used with wicker or natural wood, and a posy using a biodegradable raffia binding is a good choice.

Using flowers that are locally sourced will be kinder on the environment, and also support locally businesses too.

An alternative is artificial silk flowers, rather than fresh, as the silk flowers will last a long time and can be repurposed.

We will always talk to you about how to recycle the flowers after the funeral, as well as if you want to have donations to a charity in memory, instead of flowers; although we know that flowers do bring much comfort at the funeral.

Here at Amanda-Louise Funerals, we help families to keep the cost down as well as kinder to the environment. So we offer coffin sprays and funeral letter tributes to hire, as well as to buy.

Natural Burial Woodland Sites

As an alternative to burial sites from churches and cemeteries in Somerset and Devon we work with our local registered burial woodlands which offer peaceful places in a natural setting. Typically there isnt any headstone or permanent marker, but offer the opportunity of living memorial becoming atone with the natural habitat. No embalming, biodegradable coffins and natural materials in clothing are a typical requirement. More families are choosing a natural woodland setting as they offer a peaceful setting for family to return to, if they wish.

If you'd rather have a cremation, we can help you have a burial of ashes ceremony in a burial woodland. Alternatively you could have a natural funeral in your own home or private land.

Click here to see our local woodland burial sites

Small Farewell Gathering

Have a smaller number of mourners attending the funeral, that way it will minimise travel where possible.

Headstones

If you opt for a traditional burial or want to have the cremated ashes buried, then choose not to have a headstone (or plaque) instead consider planting a tree in memory. We have a dedicated pathway, if required, in memory of the deceased whereby everyone can donate to plant trees in their memory.

Green Products for Ashes

If you have opted for a cremation instead of burial, we have a range of natural materials of urns and caskets to keep the cremated ashes in; which can be kept at home or buried in the ground. We can even supply urns so that the ashes become a living tree.

Resomation

You might not have heard of resomation yet, but you soon will.

The process is also sometimes called water cremation or aquamation, but its technical name is alkaline hydrolysis.

This is where alkaline hydrolysis of around 1,500 litres of water is mixed with a small amount of potassium hydroxide, and heated to extremely high temperatures. After four hours, the body is reduced to liquid. Just like with cremation, any remains are reduced to a white powder, similar to ash, which can then be scattered, kept or buried.

Many people haven't heard about resomation yet, as its not available in the UK yet but there are trials in Scotland taking place. This means for us in the West Country, we will have to wait a while before it is offered across the country.

Go Green Conclusion

Whilst cremations are the most popular choice in the UK, a natural burial is a greener solution.

If you either want more information on an eco funeral and woodland burials or want to know what to expect from green funeral services, get in touch with Amanda-Louise by calling 07879220046. We are here to help lift the weight that losing a loved one brings by planning a well thought out and personal send off.

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What to expect from us
The enduring strength of women

We care for you and your family

As your Lady Funeral Directors, Amanda-Louise can meet you in the comfort of your own home, or in our peaceful office, or via video call if you'd prefer. We will never tell you how 'things should be done', or rush you, but support you to understand and consider your choices, so that you can decide what is right for you and your family and friends.

We will listen to you, and can help you plan a funeral ceremony. We'll respect your personal beliefs, values and culture and ensure your requirements, and those of the person that has died, are reflected in the funeral. You may prefer a religious funeral, a more secular service or might want to include a number of different religious and spiritual perspectives within the same service.

We can help you to reflect on the life of the person who has died and enable you to create some positive memories to support you at a time when people can often feel sad and alone. We can support you to have a farewell that you desire - so we will support you to understand the wide range of options such as visual, musical, floral, donations, readings/poems for example, as well as organising venue and/or hospitality for your after funeral wake or reception, if you wish.

Importantly, we will be flexible to your needs and wishes and give you our time to help put your ideas into action. You can take as much control as you like. We are able to support families from across Somerset or Devon, are not regionally restricted, we can help you create an event at a time and place that is best for you.

Amanda-Louise Funeral Director, can also personally deliver a heartfelt celebrant led service on your behalf should you wish, or we can recommend other talented professional ceremony leaders including religious ministers, celebrants and humanists.

We work hard to support the wellbeing of every family we support (adults and children).We can also provide a wealth of practical bereavement information for adults and children, and we'll ensure the funeral is meaningful for you, which helps in coming to terms with loss too.

We care for the person who has died

In our care you have trusted us to look after your loved one and we take enormous pride in treating people with respect and dignity. From the very moment the person who has died comes into our care, to the moment they leave, we will treat them with compassion, kindness and consideration. We see this as part of the cycle of life

We reach out and support people from 15 to 50+ miles away from us, as we safely transfer the deceased into our facilities. We'll care for the person entrusted into our funeral home with compassion and dignity, and treat everyone as guests in our home. Or we can assist if you prefer the deceased to remain at home or liaise with a repatriation company for deaths abroad.

We provide a comprehensive range of coffins in different materials, including coffin accessories to suit all tastes. This is a very personal choice, so we happily talk about them or can show you the differences.

We can provide the ability for family to spend time with their loved one, and to change clothing if this is important to you. Plus you can be involved in as little or as much of their care as you desire. We will gently prepare them for their funeral following your wishes including hairstyles or makeup, and whilst we do not routinely embalm we can provide this if you desire. We’ll take great care of any person effects, and give them to you ,or they will remain with the person Plus we can arrange for your items to be placed in the coffin if you wish.

We can even support you to keep your loved one at home right up until their funeral if you wish.

On the day of the funeral

We understand that attention to detail is really important, from considering the way people enter the service to carefully calculating the journey time.

We can provide our professional pallbearers to convey the coffin. We can help you bear the coffin if that's important to you. We can arrange special routes to the funeral if you wish, or alternative hearses and limousines.

We can arrange to collect family from railway station or airport if helpful.

Some families prefer not to hold the funeral ceremony at a crematorium chapel or in church, so we can support you to have a service in a chosen hotel, hall or alternative venue that is meaningful to you.

Amanda-Louise will be by your side giving you that reassuring presence ensuring everything is going to plan smoothly, and we leave when you are ready for us to go. We can also provide attendance cards so you know who has attended the funeral ceremony service.

After the funeral

We remain connected should you need us. If we collected donations, we will provide you with audit trail so you know they have been forwarded to the relevant people, organisation or charity. We'll collect ashes if that's helpful & deliver them to you. We can arrange for you to scatter them or preserve them if you wish.

We will have spoken to you about the arrangements of the funeral flowers and carried out those wishes. And if required, we can organise graves and headstones to be put in place at a suitable time after a burial or ashes placed.

And we welcome you to stay in touch. Often our clients pop in to talk about how life is treating them, or to attend one of our coffee afternoons as life can be isolating at times following the loss of a loved one. Our kettle is always on, likely biscuits too. Rest assured, we will never stop caring - here for you whenever you need us, wherever you are.

Do you need more help?

"We all felt totally safe opening our hearts to Amanda-Louise and were so impressed in the skills and empathy she has to understand how we all felt."

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Green & Eco-Friendly Funerals

Our frequently asked questions to guide you

Are we limited on the number of vehicles at a funeral?

No, but it’s a good idea to discuss with the funeral director if there are going to be a large number for logistics.

Can Amanda-Louise conduct a funeral ceremony?

Yes, she can. She’s a qualified celebrant and has been a public speaker for over 30 years. She can deliver a ceremony that’s heartfelt retelling your stories, incorporating any religion or none, upholding tradition or will devise new ones too so that is personal and meaningful for you.  As Amanda-Louise has limited availability to do this important task, please speak to her in person and offers this as complimentary as part of her role as Funeral Director.

Can I put personal items in a coffin?

Yes, if you want to. Families have placed small personal objects into the coffin with the deceased before cremation; these items will be cremated too. We’ve supported families to place photos, teddy bears and pictures drawn by children as a gesture of goodbye and comfort.  There are some items that are not suitable such as glass, large metal items with a cremation. Do remember to remove any items of jewellery if you do not wish these to be cremated too.

For burials then there is typically less restrictions as to what can be placed inside the coffin. However with a natural burial then only biodegradable items can be included

‘I wanted to say how lovely the service was. I loved what you said, and it was just right for Dad. You were so professional, considerate, and caring and both me and Mum felt looked after.’

Heather H

Dear Amanda, just a note to say a huge thank you for all your support and the wonderful service you conducted in honour of my Mum. I cant think of anyone better to conduct the service and Im so proud to call you my trusted friend, along with knowing it was Mum's choice to have you here today - she knew what you had supported with me in the past, and knows you always give sound advice. Thank you once again for everything, love Sharon x

Sharon Hilleard

Dear Amanda, our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to you for the lovely service you gave for our Mum/Sister and Nan Myra. Although a day of sorrow for all the family and friends, you helped the day pass with an air of smooth tranquillity and sincere friendship. thank you Amanda, Dawn and Carol

Dawn

'Amanda gave us as a family, the service we wanted and that my dad would have been very happy with and arranging to have him brought back to Northern Ireland with us and accompanying him on his final journey . Nothing was too much trouble for Amanda and she is a very kind and understanding lady.'

Rachelle Coggins

'Finding a funeral director is not something I’ve ever wanted to do because the death of a loved one becomes VERY real. I searched around my local area and all I could see were ‘traditional’ websites with not a lot on them. Owning a website myself, I know how important it is to give as much detail as possible..Amanda-Louise has absolutely done this. Her website is welcoming and full of information. My initial in-person meeting with her was fantastic! Amanda-Louise made me feel so comfortable and her office is very calming and not ‘traditional’ in any way which I think is a great credit to her and her business. From beginning to the sad end, (and beyond!) Amanda-Louise has been with myself and my family through the whole process and no question or suggestion is any trouble. She goes above and beyond for her clients and I’m so incredibly happy we chose her to arrange everything. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else and although I don’t want to think about another death in my family..Amanda-Louise will be my ‘go to’ for any I will need in the future ❤️'

Calley Owen

‘I just wanted to thank you for dad’s funeral. It was presented so beautifully and the personal letters to us all was a really thoughtful touch. I know Mum is grateful too, she thought you did a wonderful job celebrating Dad’s remarkable life. He truly was one of life’s funny and happy people. In addition, your support and gentle manner on the day of Dad’s funeral hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Thank you for introducing yourself to my son….and offering him some reassuring words as well as noticing the scarf he was wearing for his Grandad.’

Donna W

‘Beautiful service for my late husband John. Amanda did him proud, she took the service with feeling and respect. Thank you Amanda.’‍

Pippa B

'Amanda had the difficult job of creating a beautiful ceremony that brought together many different parts of our lost loved one’s life. She rung up and spoke to each sibling to get stories and details needed for the ceremony. I never felt more at ease knowing she was here for the funeral. What she came up with was beautiful and she treated my dad with the utmost respect and honour. She made a bad day manageable, and it was simply beautiful.'

Mrs P Potts

Thank you for your pack with Dad's service details. It was presented brilliantly and was great to read over. Thank you again for your touch on things. Unfortunately, you are someone I hope not to see again in the near future, but if I do, I know the ceremony is in the best of hands’

Dean W

Thank you Amanda for looking after my close friend and her partner’s funeral. You were so professional, caring and lovely from the moment we spoke on the phone to the day of the funeral. I knew they were in safe hands with you. Everything you did was what they wished for. We can not thank you enough. Sharon (Admin) Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors

Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors

'I’ve met Amanda on two occasions two years in a row now for both my grandparents funeral. I can say our family felt in such great hands and so looked after by Amanda. She listened to what we’d like as a family as well as taking the time to get to know our loved ones we were saying goodbye to! Our family is forever grateful for her services and are so thankful to her.'

Abi Wong

‘You have been so helpful during this whole process and I would recommend you and your services to everyone’

Lynn M

'At a time when as a family we were in the depths of sorrow at our loss Amanda - Louise arrived. It was as if the weight of trying to make sure that my husband’s life was remembered and honoured was completely understood by Amanda and we all relaxed. Our memories were brought to life in the service and I found it such a comfort. We all felt totally safe opening our hearts to her and were so impressed in the skills she has and empathy she has to understand how we all felt.'

Claire W

'Amanda-Louise is an amazing positive and kind lady who has gone above and beyond my expectations of a funeral director. Particularly as my husband chose a direct cremation (unattended) yet I was able to have a local, personalised cremation, with me making my own floral tribute along with other personalised touches, that I don't believe a large organisation (TV advertised) would be able to do for you . She gave me a lot of time, care and attention to detail, with practical and emotional support as well. I would highly recommend this caring respectful and professional funeral service.'

Carol Coutts

What a wonder lady, Amanda-louise was excellent at creating just the right service for my dear fathers funeral. She is sensitive, adaptable and has a lovely sense of humour. You will not regret using her. Sue x”

Sue Babey

‘Amanda-Louise was from the outset very friendly, caring and thoughtful. Such a good service provided to us in our time of grief and the service was more than we than we could have expected. I feel like I have known her for years and that if I ever need to talk she will be there for me.’

Lesley W

Dear Amanda-Louise, I am writing this card to say a HUGE thank you for all your help and expertise, that I found so helpful while organising my son's funeral service. It was so comforting to have you by my side along that path, and it was wonderful having you conduct the service on the day. You were so calm and professional, and gave me the strength to get through it. I would not have the slightest hesitation in recommending you and your services. thank you! Warmest regards Sally

Sally Priddy

'Amanda Louise helped with all the practical details of organising my father's funeral. She really listened to what we wanted and helped us design a service that was a personal reflection of his personality and his relationships. She mixes great organisational skills, getting things done behind the scenes, with practical and emotional support. Amanda-Louise ensured everything ran smoothly and was always available for questions and support and her role of celebrant on the day played a big part in making the service something to reflect on with pride and fondness.'

Amanda M

‘A friend recommended Amanda-Louise…at my mother’s funeral. Like most people in my position, I found the prospect of organising not only a funeral but my own mother’s funeral during Covid19 times. But Amanda-Louise was absolutely amazing. She was so caring, compassionate, understanding and most of all friendly. She listened intently to the type of funeral service we required (I didn’t know there were so many options), made notes, asked questions to get to know not only us but my mother too – consequently offered suggestions. The result was amazing if you could say a funeral was perfect – this was genuinely it. I can’t put into words how grateful I am to Amanda – Louise’s professional and compassionate approach to a very emotional event. Whatever the event if I could employ Amanda-Louise again I would have no hesitation whatsoever.’

Julie

I'm so glad we met you Amanda, we all talk about how smoothly it flowed. I think your right Dad would of been proud of us all. Thank you for your services, Ian :)

Ian Mitcham

‘I cannot praise Amanda enough. Clearly professional in her role she brought direction and comfort in equal measure, and yes, some humour to a very special Celebration of Life. A separate session with the young children attending gave them a role in the proceedings and an understanding of the meaning of the meeting. I recommend her services for any celebration, happy or sad.’

Dudley P

'Amanda-Louise is a wonderful person, who helped us say good bye to our Dad in a personalised and positive way, for which we will be forever grateful.'

Anna Lienka

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Position, Company name

"Dedicated to giving you the funeral you deserve & want"

A message from Amanda-Louise

"With my vision on providing wrap-around-care from start to finish. Our team are here to help you with every aspect of planning and organising your funeral needs from the preparation of the body to events and memorial services, I will be with you every step of the way"