THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FUNERALS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Globally, more attention is being placed on our fight against climate change and humans are constantly thinking of ways to reduce their environmental impact. This applies to our life’s final decision too. Death occurs to everyone at the end of our life and thus it is a decision that can be made for us to continue to do our part for the environment. When death occurs, a farewell is held for the deceased and the practices vary depending on one’s religion, culture and beliefs.

In this report, we will look into the environmental impacts of funerals in Singapore. Firstly, we will be reviewing the history of Singapore’s funeral scene and how the government policies have shaped the local funeral practices and the common religious practices in Singapore. Secondly, we study the environmental impacts of the different funeral practices and alternative practices that are being done overseas and its feasibility. I discussed that the environmental impact of the funerals should be viewed by factoring in the life cycle analysis of the various products and processes to evaluate the process in its entirety. Lastly, the report concludes that the environmental impact of funerals is only a small fraction of Singapore’s environmental footprint. Despite having an impact on the environment, in comparison to the carbon footprint of the Singapore population and other pressing issues such as the waste management, the environmental impact of funerals is considered very small.