Learn More About the Collective
Formation
The Funerary Artisans Collective was formed to create an easy-to-find resource for families, natural burial cemeteries, funeral directors, and anyone looking for a funeral vessel made by local artists and craftspeople. We support the artisan directly rather than distributors. Our goal is to assist cottage industry makers of funeral goods in making a living wage for their handwork, and letting the world know what they do so that consumers have a choice about what purchases they make.
Criteria for Membership
Products offered by members are not juried. Individual artisans are responsible for the quality and availability of their products, and consumers are responsible for communicating appropriately as they complete transactions. Members who self-select to participate agree to the environmental commitment described below.
Environmental Commitment
Our members' funerary products are designed to eliminate harmful and unnecessary environmental hazards. We use biodegradable materials sourced locally or imported with a known carbon footprint from trusted suppliers. Toxic glues, finishes, metal hardware, rubber, synthetic textiles—anything that does not biodegrade naturally on Nature's timeline—are prohibited. At the root is the fundamental imperative that the materials and processes be environmentally sustainable. Our intention is to provide vessels that allow for unimpeded and non-accelerated natural processes to occur.
Worker Transparency
Our members are also asked to disclose who is assisting in the making of their products to provide full transparency. Use of child labor, a practice in the making of imported products from some countries, is not accepted.
Specifications
Incidentally, the Federal Trade Commission, the national agency that oversees the funeral industry in the US, makes it clear that consumers who work with funeral homes may not be penalized in any way for providing their own vessels as long as they meet cemetery and crematory requirements. All of our members build to specifications required by both.
Custom Builds
Cottage industry artisans are uniquely positioned to assist with natural products that are important to members of various religious traditions. Check with your local maker for information about vessels appropriate for Jewish and Muslim burial. If you require sizes for large or small adults, or for children or infants, or even a beloved family pet, contact your preferred maker for details.
The Funerary Artisans Collective was formed to create an easy-to-find resource for families, natural burial cemeteries, funeral directors, and anyone looking for a funeral vessel made by local artists and craftspeople. We support the artisan directly rather than distributors. Our goal is to assist cottage industry makers of funeral goods in making a living wage for their handwork, and letting the world know what they do so that consumers have a choice about what purchases they make.
Criteria for Membership
Products offered by members are not juried. Individual artisans are responsible for the quality and availability of their products, and consumers are responsible for communicating appropriately as they complete transactions. Members who self-select to participate agree to the environmental commitment described below.
Environmental Commitment
Our members' funerary products are designed to eliminate harmful and unnecessary environmental hazards. We use biodegradable materials sourced locally or imported with a known carbon footprint from trusted suppliers. Toxic glues, finishes, metal hardware, rubber, synthetic textiles—anything that does not biodegrade naturally on Nature's timeline—are prohibited. At the root is the fundamental imperative that the materials and processes be environmentally sustainable. Our intention is to provide vessels that allow for unimpeded and non-accelerated natural processes to occur.
Worker Transparency
Our members are also asked to disclose who is assisting in the making of their products to provide full transparency. Use of child labor, a practice in the making of imported products from some countries, is not accepted.
Specifications
Incidentally, the Federal Trade Commission, the national agency that oversees the funeral industry in the US, makes it clear that consumers who work with funeral homes may not be penalized in any way for providing their own vessels as long as they meet cemetery and crematory requirements. All of our members build to specifications required by both.
Custom Builds
Cottage industry artisans are uniquely positioned to assist with natural products that are important to members of various religious traditions. Check with your local maker for information about vessels appropriate for Jewish and Muslim burial. If you require sizes for large or small adults, or for children or infants, or even a beloved family pet, contact your preferred maker for details.