Natural Funerals / Green
Funeral Options
Much attention has been drawn to the “Green Movement” lately. People are concerned about the long term effects of the products they purchase, the vehicles they drive, and the amount of resources they are consuming. Although the “Green” initiative is a recent trend, both Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home since 1900, and Smith-Taylor-Ruggiero Funeral Home since 1865, have offered nature-friendly alternatives to the traditional funeral. We have always, and will continue to, offer an array of natural alternatives, feel free to call us at your convenience and ask us about our Green/Natural/Eco-Friendly, or whatever new trendy “buzz-word” they attach to it. You do not have to pay extra for something that has been consistently offered all along.
Funeral Plans
| Simple Plan
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| Mid-Range Plan
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| Super Plan
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Willow Caskets
The willow caskets are crafted by hand in small rural cottage environments. The willow plant is fast-growing, making this a very sustainable material from which to produce caskets. This durable casket has a flat top and attractive design perfect for families that desire a simple farewell for a loved one. The willow casket is fully lined with a natural, un-bleached cotton interior, matching pillow and privacy shield.
When the casket is buried in the earth is will break down naturally over time.
Seagrass Caskets
The seagrass caskets are fabricated by hand primarily from willow and as an added design feature include attractive seagrass rope woven into the willow on the sides of the casket. This sturdy casket design has a slightly rounded top used to finish the elegant, yet simple design. Each casket is fully lined with a natural, unbleached fitted cotton interior and includes a matching pillow and privacy shield.
The seagrass used to produce this casket is not harvested from delicate marine environments, but rather cultivated in rice paddy-like fields that are seasonally flooded to support the growing seagrass plant.
Bamboo Caskets
The bamboo caskets provide an alternative to the tapering willow and seagrass caskets. They are the same width from head to toe. Each casket features durable, convenient handles for carrying and a lined natural unbleached cotton interior with matching pillow. Each bamboo casket also includes a simple shroud with which to wrap or cover the body of the deceased.
These caskets are available in three sizes which nest comfortably, one inside the other for secure, convenient and less expensive shipping.
Salt Urns
Salt Urns are individually hand crafted by skilled artisans from solid blocks of Himalayan rock salt. The salt deposits in this region are over 250 million years old and are believed to be the purest on earth. As a result of the handmade and natural qualities of the Passages Salt Urns, each is unique in both color and finish. The urns will dissolve within 4 hours when placed in water.
Biodegradable Paper Turtles
Biodegradable Paper Turtles are crafted by hand from recycled paper bags and are produced in Haiti by skilled artisans. The purchase of a turtle will contribute in a small way to the rebuilding of this devastated nation.
Each turtle will accommodate up to two or three tablespoons of cremated remains and are designed to float briefly before sinking. Once the turtle sinks, it will biodegrade naturally over time. Available in Natural and Newsprint designs. Since the turtles are crafted by hand, the size, shape and color of each may vary.
Wooden Casket
