Natures Caskets
Coffins and caskets take a variety of forms from a retangular to anthropoidal, and even more unique forms befitting of the deceased’s personality.
Many people believe that their departed loved one needs a proper send-off in a coffin that reflects his status, profession and or interests during his time on earth, thereby making conventional coffins too impersonal.
Additionally, as environmentally conscious consumers are learning of the waste of precious natural resources involved in manufacturing traditional coffins, the demand for eco-friendly coffins has grown. There are now choices of coffins and caskets made of earth friendly materials such as corrugated paper, bamboo, willow or Banana Leaf. It is important to note that no coffin can preserve the body indefinitely.
Studies have shown that coffins that are porous enough to allow air to pass through them result in aerobic decomposition and clean skeletonization. By contrast, the airtight coffin actually encourages anaerobic bacteria, hence speeding up the liquification of the body (the opposite effect of what one imagines for their loved one when selecting an airtight coffin).
Under a U.S. federal law, 16 CFR Part 453 (known as the Funeral Rule), if a family provides a casket they purchased elsewhere, the establishment is required to accept the casket and use it in the services. If the casket is delivered direct to the funeral home from the manufacturer or store, they are required to accept delivery of the casket. The funeral home may not add any extra charges or fees to the overall bill if a family decides to purchase a casket elsewhere.