LettersHow Hong Kong can help the idea of green burials gain ground

Readers discuss a sustainable way to handle the remains of loved ones, and the need for improvements in the taxi industry

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People at the cemetery in Diamond Hill during the Ching Ming Festival in April 2018. Long waiting times at cemeteries and public columbariums have made the idea of scattering the ashes of loved ones in designated gardens or at sea more popular. Felix Wong

Published: 11:30am, 21 Apr 2024

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It is welcome news that green burials are catching on in Hong Kong. Given that there are limited sites for burial, having the ashes of loved ones scattered in designated gardens and at sea is obviously a long-term solution, but the idea of not having a permanent spot for storage of urns containing ancestors’ ashes might not appeal to some. Understandably, a tomb or plaque is seen as a way to memorialise a loved one.

Culturally, traditional family values motivate people to pay their respects to their ancestors through the practice of tomb-sweeping, especially at the Chung Yeung and Ching Ming festivals. Practically, though, our scarce land resources will not be able to cope with the ever-increasing demand for permanent burial sites as a result of population ageing.

Owing to superstition or conservative thinking, death is often viewed as an emotionally loaded topic to be avoided at all costs by many people, who believe that talking about it invites bad luck. However, the sudden passing of a loved one who has not made clear how they would like their remains to be handled may complicate matters and put family members in a difficult position.

Education and promotional campaigns are essential for green burials to catch on.

People should have open, honest discussions with their elderly family members about how they would like their ashes to be handled. Respect is the key to facilitating a fruitful exchange of ideas. Bringing in a trusted third party who can make the elderly person more comfortable could help.

Death must not be seen as a taboo subject but a natural process. Those who proactively plan for what happens to their remains after death are showing enthusiasm for life. Moreover, those choosing green burials are helping build a sustainable future.

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Readers discuss a sustainable way to handle the remains of loved ones, and the need for improvements in the taxi industry

Readers discuss a sustainable way to handle the remains of loved ones, and the need for improvements in the taxi industry