Central Co-op celebrates the Great Big Green Week with eco-event in Market Harborough

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 12/06/2024

Central Co-op’s funeral home in Market Harborough participated in The Great Big Green Week by hosting a special eco-event on Wednesday the 12th of June on The Square in Market Harborough. The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s largest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. From 8th to 16th June 2024, tens of thousands of people across the country will unite to support environmental action.

This year, The Great Big Green Week is encouraging individuals to make everyday swaps that contribute to a safer, greener future. The event was joined by various areas of Central Co-op - from funeral care and floral, to Membership and food - promoting all the eco-conscious swaps that the Society has to offer.

With their electric Mustang fleet on show, the team from Central Co-op’s funeral home in Market Harborough demonstrated the more sustainable “swaps” families can make to ensure a lasting, positive legacy – for both the people they love and for the planet.

The team handed out plantable bookmarks pressed with wildflower seeds to passers-by, similar to Central Co-op’s plantable order of service sheets. While the local funeral plan advisor was on hand to answer any questions about sustainable funerals and aiming to break the stigma and mystery around funeral homes.

One of Central Co-op’s most impactful initiatives is the commitment to plant a tree for every funeral it conducts. With over 20,000 trees planted where they’re needed most, this program helps offset CO2 emissions, combat deforestation, prevent flooding and improve food security. These trees also provide habitats for wildlife and therefore contribute to biodiversity.

However, if a family would like something more personal, the team at Market Harborough can plant a tree dedicated to the person who has died in a location that the family can visit in the UK. Memorial trees offer a unique place to remember someone while giving back to the environment, and Central Co-op can arrange for the planting of a tree in someone’s name, complete with a special message and the location for family members to visit.

So, what are some of the swaps people could be making to help reduce a funeral’s environmental impact?

• “Return to Nature” soil mixes ashes with nutrients, transforming them into a source of nourishment for plants - families can use this enriched soil to plant a memorial tree, scatter it in nature or add it to a flower bed, ensuring a lasting, positive legacy
• Central Co-op’s floral team were on-hand at the eco-event to show off their unique and beautiful displays, and provide insights into environmentally friendly floral tribute options - simply by choosing arrangements that don’t contain plastic or use oasis means flowers can be enjoyed at home or even replanted after the service
• Swapping traditional transport with electric or hybrid vehicles is an easy “swap” to reduce the carbon footprint of a funeral - Central Co-op upgraded its fleet to include electric hearses and limousines, but if you fancy something a bit different, there’s also the choice of a beautiful bicycle hearse
• Maybe the easiest swap of them all is to a more sustainable coffin material - Central Co-op offers options made using sustainable materials, from natural wood and cardboard to woven bamboo or banana leaf

By offering eco-friendly funeral options and promoting environmental awareness, Central Co-op strives to make a positive impact in Market Harborough and to the planet.

For more information on The Great Big Green Week, visit https://greatbiggreenweek.com/. For more on Central Co-op’s funeral care, visit centralcoop.co.uk/funeralcare/ or find out more on socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found on Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004