Green offerings

Chapel of the Highlands is recognized as a leader in offering environmentally-friendly and ecologically-sensitive choices:

Funeral & cremation choices available in different “shades of green” meaning we can show you various levels on how you can contribute environmentally…
“Green certified caskets”, sourced from a local company, are constructed using willow, banana leaf or bamboo which are known to be environmentally friendly materials…
“Unfinished wooden caskets” help soften our eco-footprints…
“Green funeral options” giving families a choice on various ways to lessen the impact on the environment…
“Formaldehyde free” fluids, for times when embalming is needed, is a positive step we’ve chosen to help reduce our reliance on specific chemicals found elsewhere in our daily lives…
“Green burial options” with locations available that are designed to be natural and environmentally forgiving…
“Green certified cremation urns” are sourced from a local company like the above caskets. These urns are constructed using willow, banana leaf or bamboo which are known to be environmental friendly materials…
“We patronize local companies” because the fewer miles used in transportation saves fuel and lessens the impact on the environment…

For more information on how to select environmentally friendly funeral and cremation related choices please call us at (650) 588-5116 and we will guide you with your green options.

NOTE: Green basket type caskets and urns are limited in supply and are continously evolving. Examples pictured are similar to available offerings, but each basketweave casket or natural urn is unique in design and none will be exactly alike.

Please read the following article by Paul Larson published in the San Francisco Examiner and the San Mateo Daily Journal…

“How Green Living Promotes Healthier Funerals”

People are asking…

INTERESTING ITEM: Alkaline Hydrolysis:

Updates to California law have sparked interest and questions about “Aquamation”. This alternative to cremation, recently emerging in Canada, Australia, numerous U.S. states and other parts of the world, is relativly new in California and referred to here as “Alkaline Hydrolysis”. This water based process of breaking down human remains is still rare locally compared to cremation. But, “Alkaline Hydrolysis” or “Aquamation” is growing as an environmentally healthier option to cremation…

INTERESTING ITEM: Human Composting:

Inquires about the topic of “Human Composting” have been coming up and we’ve had to do a bit of investigating. This alternate form of breaking down human remains will be legal in California as of 2027. As of now read the following article from KQED:

https://www.kqed.org/science/1991112/californians-are-being-shipped-to-washington-after-they-die-to-be-composted

and from NPR:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/22/1240080757/the-ultimate-green-burial-human-composting-lets-you-replenish-the-earth-after-de

More information to come…

“Everything was handled with a personal and heartfelt touch…”

Writing a review for this type of service is very difficult. But for the services provided by Chapel of the Highlands it is well deserved. Four months ago, my family unexpectedly found ourselves in the position of needing the service & help of Chapel of the Highlands. Paul personally assisted us with compassion and understanding during such a difficult time. Emotions were high but he was sensitive to our pain & helped us through. Everything was handled with a personal and heartfelt touch. As if they knew our mother personally. Paul and Mike became extended members of our family. This couldn't have happened anywhere else. Remarkable people helping usher loved ones on to the next journey with genuine care. Paul and Mike are incredible men that blessed our lives in the most painful time ever. We thank their entire staff for their time and services in the care of our precious mother.

Shawn W.

“The staff at Chapel of the Highlands took over and did an outstanding job…”

My in laws had set up pre-arrangements with Chapel of the Highlands many years ago. When my mother in law passed suddenly, they took over and did everything with complete professionalism and respect for our family's needs.
As you can imagine, we were all dealing with an unexpected death. The staff at Chapel of the Highlands took over and did an outstanding job with exceptional service. The chapel where we had the viewing was simple and nicely done. They handled the flowers as they came in, the mourners as they arrived, got the pallbearers together, and took care of all the details that we couldn't do.
The staff stayed out of the way when they weren't needed and were extremely supportive when they were needed.
I know as my family gets older we will need their services again some day. I have no hesitation in giving them my highest recommendation.

Brad B.

Green Offerings

People are asking…

“Everything was handled with a personal and heartfelt touch…”

“Paul Larson and staff were excellent…”

“The staff at Chapel of the Highlands took over and did an outstanding job…”

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