Establishment of the GreenLeave Foundation

The GreenLeave Foundation was founded in 2013 by the BGNU , the Association of Certified Dutch Funeral Directors. The initiative originated in a group of six entrepreneurs who wanted to 'give more substance to sustainable funerals'. These entrepreneurs became aware that a funeral often evokes thoughts about transience, nature and cycles. In addition to this realisation, the funeral industry also saw a growing desire for sustainable products. More and more people have a sustainable lifestyle and want to organise a farewell in line with this conviction.

The idea

The developers of the initiative, together with a sustainability consultant, started a study into the existing range of funeral articles. In this study, the quality, nature and human friendliness and biodegradability of products were examined. With the support of the Nature & Environment Foundation , they have, after a thorough check, created a package from this study in which products are offered. The package has sustainable advice for every choice that has to be made at a funeral, such as the use of a coffin, shroud or a stretcher.

GreenLeave label

Funeral organisations affiliated with GreenLeave focus on five core principles in their business operations: good employment, sustainable business operations, sustainable purchasing, honest business practices and social involvement. We fully support this . When working towards a final farewell, we believe it is very important to treat the earth and the people who live on it well. More information about GreenLeave .

The board

The board of the GreenLeave foundation is still formed today by the six founders: Evert de Niet ( General Interest Funeral Services ), Esther Molenwijk ( Bureau Daadwerk ), Roel Stapper ( Zuylen Funeral Services ), Rien Bijnen ( Bijnnen Funeral Services ), Mijndert Rebel ( Rebel's Funeral Home ), Herman Wormgoor ( Vredehof Funeral Services ) and Albèr Claassen ( Claassen Funeral Services ).

Wrapping goods in 'The Makers'

The program 'De Makers' is an initiative of the GreenLeave Foundation. The series portrays producers of sustainable funeral products. In the series, these makers tell how they have translated their passion for sustainability into a unique funeral product. Think of coffins, shrouds , urns, grave monuments and funeral flowers. The broadcasts can be seen from September 12 on www.greenleave.nu . A new episode will be posted online every Tuesday for nine weeks. The episode with Wikkelgoed was shown from Tuesday November 7.