Putting a little green in it

It's the most wonderful time of year. Again.

Earth Day (April 22) always felt magical growing up, which is odd, since so few try to celebrate or even talk about it. But with the rose-colored, tree-hugging optimism of youth, Earth Day took on mystical connotations.

(I might be able to thank School District 271 for some of that. I distinctly remember the rapture of carefully guarding precious cargo — a sapling probably at the same point in its growth cycle as I was — on the bus home in third grade. The rapture ended in tears when the lawn mower … we won't speak of that now.)

When I got a little older and more jaded, I began to think Earth Day could use a little magic.

I try not to stand so tall on my soapbox (recycled, repurposed!) too often. So I’ll keep it light.

If, like me, you’re bummed Earth Day doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, let me lighten the load just a little.

Late last year, Business Wire reported 85% of consumers have gotten “greener” in their spending choices, and at least a third are willing to pay more to prove it. A growing number of businesses are LEED and B Corp certified (both ratings involve commitments to sustainability). And, you can notice this yourself, more and more just seem to be thinking about it, choosing options like re-sealable silicone sandwich bags, more durable shopping bags, and tumblers.

There are also interesting innovations across industries, including some you may not have heard of yet.

A really intriguing trend has popped up during the pandemic: cardboard coffins.

Hong Kong has been dealing with their deadliest COVID outbreak yet and has already lost 6,000 this year. Beyond this tragedy lies a secondary issue: a casket shortage.

But tragedy, as the saying goes, so often breeds ingenuity.

With wood and wood substitute caskets harder to come by, some are turning to cardboard coffins made of recycled wood fiber. The coffins aren't brand new, but are starting to become more popular – out of necessity as well as genuine interest in greener practices.

Even for those who choose cremation, and many in China do, caskets are necessary to the process. A lot of chemicals are used to manufacture most of the materials around us — yes, even in wood and wool which are treated with synthetic varnishes and dyes among other substances. Some of these varnishes and finishings are plastic-coated, which isn’t the final resting place you might wish it was (or maybe I’m projecting). Cardboard coffins made of friendlier materials can reduce the polluting gases released when burned; LifeArt Asia's coffins release an average of 87% less than typical wood/wood substitute coffins, for example.

Don't mistake these "eco-coffins" for a shoebox you'd bury a beloved hamster in. Though light, these aren't archival boxes for loved ones. They can and do often come crem-film lined and some brands, like LifeArt, offer a variety of designs for a more personal touch.

Don't assume it's disrespectful. Some are already embracing eco-coffins for themselves, although no one is suggesting you ignore a loved one's otherwise expressed wishes. In a way it could be a parting gift to Mother Earth, for all her bounty provided in life.

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Elena Johnson can be reached at ejohnson@cdapress.com.