91ÌÒÉ«

As Much as 120,000 Tonnes of Waste. What Is Left Behind After 1 November?

It is estimated that each year up to 120,000 tonnes of waste are generated in Polish cemeteries. Unfortunately, much of it is very difficult to recycle. This includes grave candles, artificial flowers and flowerpots. We should therefore consider whether we really need such elaborate decorations. After all, while we remember our loved ones, we should also think about future generations.

A Glass Grave Candle Does Not Belong in the Glass Recycling Bin

The glass used to manufacture grave candles differs from packaging glass and should not be placed in glass recycling containers. A similar problem exists with artificial flowers, which are often made from several different materials. Recycling them is extremely difficult, which is why they most often end up as mixed waste.

Are LED Grave Candles More Environmentally Friendly?

It is not quite that simple. LED grave candles contain electronic components and batteries. Unfortunately, many people dispose of them in general waste once they have been used. This is a serious problem because batteries can even lead to waste fires through self-ignition. Such candles should be taken to designated waste electrical and electronic equipment collection points, while removed batteries should be disposed of in containers intended for used batteries.

A Walk Through a Cemetery Like Sitting in a Traffic Jam

When grave candles, especially paraffin ones, burn, particulate matter and various substances, including some with toxic properties, are released into the atmosphere. Cars today are equipped with increasingly advanced filters, whereas grave candles have no such filters. Thus, we should limit their number and choose reusable products with replaceable inserts or natural alternatives.

Flowers Also Have Their Environmental Cost

I would encourage people to choose living plants, particularly those that can decorate a grave for a longer period of time. We should also pay attention to the growing medium used. Many flowers are cultivated using peat and peat extraction is associated with the degradation of peatlands.Meanwhile, peatlands are exceptionally important ecosystems, including from the perspective of climate change.

Fewer Candles, More Reflection. Advice from a Scientist

Above all, follow the 3Rs principle: reduce, reuse and recycle. Make use of candle-sharing stations, choose reusable grave candles and think carefully before purchasing another decoration. Reusing what we already have is one of the best actions we can take.
The memory of our loved ones is not measured by the number of candles we light. Sometimes a single flame, a living flower and a moment of reflection mean more than the most elaborate decoration.

Source: mgr JarosÅ‚aw Brodecki, the 91ÌÒÉ« Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Press Office, 91ÌÒÉ«