Every person planning their estate brings their own unique values to the process. Frequently, priorities include providing support for loved ones and minimizing the loss of assets. People also integrate their sense of social responsibility and ethics into the estate planning process.
Many people leave money to charitable causes or religious organizations. For others, environmental concerns may influence their estate planning process. Over the last few decades, the idea of eco-conscious or green estate planning has become increasingly popular.
What does a green estate plan generally include?
Environmentally-friendly burial plans
The way that people handle human remains can generate a massive environmental impact. The chemicals used to embalm bodies and the beautiful, detailed coffins often used for traditional burials can have a negative impact on the planet. More people have begun to turn to green burials or even environmentally-friendly cremation services. There are a number of options available for those who want to reduce the environmental impact of their final rest.
Appropriate disposal of assets
If testators don’t plan carefully for their property, their assets could end up in a landfill. The disposal of personal property through the trash system in particular can have a lasting negative impact on the planet. Testators may want to arrange for the donation of any assets that their loved ones do not wish to retain. There are a variety of options ranging from social support charities that help battered spouses to organizations that recycle consumer goods into new products.
Charitable contributions
Leaving money to help protect the environment or promote green policies is another way to embrace personal ethics during the estate planning process. Testators can leave instructions to make contributions to a particular environmental charity instead of to a church at their funeral or memorial service. They could earmark specific assets or funds as intended for charitable causes. In some cases, people may even fund trusts as a way of providing ongoing support for environmental nonprofit organizations.
Depending on an individual’s resources and circumstances, there are a host of ways to factor environmental consciousness into the estate planning process. Communicating personal values to an estate planning attorney can help a testator integrate their personal values into their final legacy.