Hongkongers urged to choose 'reusable coffin' to help save the planet
Non-profit group says its casket can help those dying to save the planet to preserve our forests

Green-minded Hongkongers are being offered the chance to help the planet from beyond the grave by choosing the city's first "reusable coffin".
Used once a day, a recyclable coffin would save 48 cubic metres of timber over a year, enough to fill one and a half standard-sized shipping containers, according to the not-for-profit social enterprise that is promoting the idea, Green Life Passage.
The coffin is comprised of a hardwood "outer coffin", which can be kept for reuse, and a removable "inner casket", made of a strong honeycomb-core cardboard, in which the body is kept for cremation. One benefit is that the coffin burns more quickly, 26 minutes faster than a regular wooden one.
But the company admits it faces challenges.
Green Life chief executive Lam Ka-hei says she understands customers will have reservations about reusing a coffin due to superstition and conservatism. But, she said: "It's just like a hospital bed. Many people pass away on that same bed and someone else will end up using it."
Made on the mainland, the coffin weighs about 100kg.
It is Green Life's second environmentally friendly coffin after last year's launch of a coffin made from water hyacinth plants. Other green options include cardboard coffins made from recycled paper and natural fibres.