This is the first fully ecological burial ground in Kraków. It makes it possible to bury the dead without any negative impact on the environment. The “Trees of Remembrance” quarter is located in the cemetery in Podgórki Tynieckie.
Cemeteries in Poland look very similar. Different coloured gravestones are decorated with candles and flowers, which are often made of plastic. The Municipal Cemeteries Board in Krakow appeals to the residents to decorate their graves more modestly. In the days leading up to and following 1 November, a large amount of waste is generated, which later needs to be segregated. The “Trees of Remembrance” quarter is therefore an alternative option to traditional burials or urn burials in columbaria.
The evolution of lifestyles that take into account the need to make ecological choices also touches on such a delicate matter as the burial of the deceased. Many people wish to be buried in an environmentally non-invasive way. Unfortunately, Polish law does not provide for the scattering of ashes in so-called memorial plots located in cemeteries. This state of affairs makes it practically impossible for people who plan to be buried in a minimalist and environmentally non-invasive way to achieve their goal. These shortcomings in Polish legislation entail the need to look for intermediate solutions,” the current deputy mayor of Krakow, Łukasz Sęk, pointed out in an interpellation.
The “Trees of Remembrance” ecological quarter has been designed to provide space for 135 “eco-graves” on an area of 133 square metres. It is a grass-covered area that is surrounded by tall yew trees. Burials here are exclusively made in biodegradable urns, made of natural materials such as wood or wicker. We publish their photos in the gallery below.
Graves in the quarters may be marked with a memorial stone or a wooden plaque. Concrete or steel elements are not permitted. Flowers and candles may be placed, but only in the designated area. Flowers must be live (cut or in organic pots) and candles must be biodegradable. The use of solar lanterns is permitted.
photos: KLEPSYDRA(https://klepsydra.pl)
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