Funerals, by nature, involve a significant amount of logistics—catering, flowers, printed materials, and ceremonial items. However, once the ceremony ends, many don’t consider what becomes of the leftover items. Yet, the conversation around sustainability has started to influence even the most traditional sectors. This includes the funeral industry. Today, more funeral planners and families are beginning to examine how a service can be more eco-conscious—starting with how leftovers are handled.
Discover how Singapore funerals are handling service leftovers, and learn how funeral planners are essential for a more sustainable end of service.
Floral Arrangements: From Tribute to Waste or Repurpose
Fresh flowers are staples at almost every funeral. Wreaths, bouquets, and altars are adorned with blooms meant to convey sympathy and honour. However, after the funeral, these arrangements typically have a short lifespan. While some are composted or returned to nature, many are simply discarded.
Some directors now work with community organisations or florists who repurpose these flowers into smaller bouquets for hospices or nursing homes. Others offer families the option of using potted plants instead of cut flowers—allowing loved ones to bring a living memento home or donate it to a green space.
Leftover Food: A Taboo Topic for Redistribution
Catered food is common at wakes or post-funeral gatherings. However, uneaten food often becomes waste. Due to hygiene laws and superstitions, the redistribution of leftover funeral food is rare. Most caterers are not allowed to donate unused portions, even if untouched, and families are hesitant to repurpose them due to cultural beliefs about “death energy” lingering around food served at funerals.
Despite this, some eco-conscious families are working around the taboo by ordering smaller quantities or opting for sealed, pre-packed meals, which are easier to distribute or keep if untouched.
Ceremonial Items: Incineration, Burial or Disposal
In traditional Chinese funerals, paper offerings—houses, cars, clothes—are commonly burnt for the deceased. While this is deeply rooted in cultural practice, it raises environmental concerns due to the volume and chemical-laden materials used.
A few funeral directors are offering greener alternatives such as biodegradable paper or limiting the number of offerings burnt. Some even propose symbolic items or digital offerings via online memorial platforms, though adoption is still slow due to older generations preferring traditional rites.
As for coffins, decorative coverings, and cloth items used in funeral processions, these are usually single-use and discarded. Some green funeral providers now offer rentals or reusable materials to help reduce waste.
Printed Materials and Keepsakes
Booklets, prayer cards, and photo collages are commonly distributed during funerals. Unfortunately, these are often left behind or disposed of after the ceremony. While recycling is an option, laminated materials and glossy prints are not always recyclable.
A few modern funeral planners offer digital memorials or QR-linked tribute pages in place of printed media. This approach not only reduces paper usage but provides a longer-lasting memory that can be accessed by family and friends anytime.
The Role of Funeral Directors in Shaping Sustainable Practices
Many funeral planners are recognising the importance of offering eco-friendly services. This approach includes encouraging clients to choose fewer disposable items, offering digital alternatives, and working with sustainable vendors.
Some funeral homes are also exploring carbon offset programmes or promoting natural burials, where minimal embalming and biodegradable coffins are used. However, awareness and demand remain relatively low, as families often focus more on rituals and traditions during a time of grief than on sustainability.
Conclusion: Small Shifts, Meaningful Impact
The path toward sustainability in the funeral industry isn’t about drastic changes—it’s about small, respectful shifts. Singapore funeral customs can change to become more considerate and courteous of the environment by reconsidering what happens to leftovers, such as food, flowers, and ceremonial objects. Families planning a loved one’s final send-off should ask funeral planners about greener options—this approach can be a first step toward honouring the departed and the planet.
Contact Casket Fairprice to arrange a meaningful and sustainable farewell today.
