- We will try to have an environmental mindset in the administration and we have ended up in the situation that we have a lot of returned tombstones that we would need to do something about, says Linda Lundin, landscape engineer at the cemetery management in Växjö pastorate.

Unique in Sweden

The new neighborhood that they had built at Hovshaga cemetery is believed to be unique in Sweden. The used tombstones, which are around 70 in number, are already in place and have all been de-identified. In many cases, the old decor of the stones has been recreated, and the environment is special: Instead of traditional discounts at each tombstone, the place is surrounded by natural flowers and perennials that mimic wild nature.

Anyone who is a speculator in connection with the purchase of a grave right on the site can also choose to buy one of the recycled headstones.

- There is definitely an interest, but at this point we have only given one place. We put it into operation in early September, so it's still pretty new, says Linda Lundin.

Has previously been buried or destroyed

The tombstones that have been reused have stood at various cemeteries in Växjö pastorate, and have ended up in the cemetery management's ownership in connection with the relatives of those buried buried returning the right to the burial ground.

In the past, the old tombstones have been excavated, used as material in the cemetery walls or sometimes even destroyed.

That they are now used as headstones once again, Linda Lundin thinks is a better way to manage the earth's resources.

- It's about wanting to be able to use the material that is already in the cemeteries. As with all other new production, it is a negative environmental impact to produce new headstones, she says.

CONTACT US: What do you think about this? Would you like to have a recycled tombstone for you or a relative? Contact us at smaland@svt.se