Green funerals in Krakow: The most eco-friendly way to go
Tombstones laden with flowers and candles are a familiar sight in Polish cemeteries. However, a growing number of individuals are seeking ways to minimise their environmental impact even after death. Addressing this shift, Krakow is now home to its first fully ecological necropolis, catering to those prioritising an environmentally neutral burial.
The appearance of cemeteries differs widely across countries and cultures. In the United States, gravestones tend to be simple white slabs, either horizontal or vertical, inscribed with the name and date of the deceased. In Poland, however, elaborate monuments crafted by stonemasons are highly favoured. Their design is primarily shaped by the creativity of the family, often featuring stone crosses, portraits of the deceased, or symbols representing their profession or passion. Vases and lanterns also remain enduringly popular.
Nevertheless, an increasing number of people are seeking burial methods that are kinder to the Earth. This shift is driven by the considerable waste generated around funerals, particularly during festive periods, immediately after death, or on All Saints' Day. Artificial flowers, candles, lanterns, and other decorations flood cemeteries, contributing to tonnes of waste. But where can one be laid to rest in harmony with nature without breaking the law?
A modern cemetery in Krakow
The cemetery in PodgĆ³rki Tynieckie, KrakĆ³w, has responded to the growing demand for ecological burials with its āTrees of Remembranceā (Polish: Drzewa PamiÄci) section. In this dedicated area, which spans 133 square metres and is bordered by cypress trees, the burial process is markedly different from traditional funerals. Here, individuals will be laid to rest in biodegradable urns made from materials like wood or wicker. The entrance to the āTrees of Remembranceā is through a wooden gate, symbolising the natural ethos of the space.
Commemoration is equally eco-friendly, with wooden name plates or engraved stones replacing conventional concrete or metal markers, which are strictly prohibited. Flowers placed on graves must be live, and biodegradable pots are required. Even candles must adhere to specific environmental standards.
Currently, the āTrees of Remembranceā has a capacity for 135 graves, though the organisers have indicated plans to expand if needed. This modern necropolis offers a solution for those seeking a burial free from plastic and waste, positively contributing to the ecosystem. This is particularly significant in Poland, where scattering ashes on the so-called memorial fields remains illegal.
