Funerals have long been centered around traditional practices that often use toxic chemicals and nonbiodegradable materials. In 2025, people are seeking more meaningful, environmentally respectful ways to honor life. Discover what green burial is and some practices for laying someone to rest in a more ecologically responsible way.

What Is a Green Burial?

A green or natural burial is an eco-friendly burial process that doesn’t use chemicals or concrete. It involves laying someone to rest through natural decomposition. Many people prefer green funerals for various reasons. First, the cost averages between $2,500 and $5,500, making it cheaper than traditional methods. Avoiding harmful chemicals and using biodegradable containers are also kinder to the environment.

What Traditional Burial Factors Harm the Environment?

Green burials are about minimizing your ecological footprint even after passing. Traditional burials often involve processes that, while culturally ingrained, can harm the planet. These include:

• Embalming fluids: Chemical embalming involves formaldehyde, a toxic and carcinogenic compound that can contaminate soil and groundwater. Around one gallon of embalming fluid is used per 50 pounds for preservation.
  
• Nonbiodegradable casket: Heavy wooden caskets often contain metal, plastic fillings and chemicals. Imagine how much of these harmful materials are buried every year.
  
• Land use: Traditional cemeteries require maintenance, often involving fertilizers, pesticides and water usage.
  
• Carbon emissions: Manufacturing and transportation of funeral materials and the energy used during cremation can contribute to carbon emissions.

Why Green Funerals Matter

Funerals don’t have to harm the environment. People should consider green burials, which offer the following benefits.

Protect the Environment

Traditional funerals use harmful materials and chemicals, while cemeteries consume large amounts of land. Choosing a green funeral helps create a safer environment for future generations. This entails using sustainable elements like wicker and bamboo, a natural resource known for rapid growth and renewability. Avoiding metal embellishments and lacquer minimizes harmful environmental impact. 

Align With Sustainable Values

Many people follow sustainable values to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. Traditional flame cremation, while common, is an energy-intensive process that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In contrast, a green funeral is a meaningful tribute that aligns with eco-friendly practices. This final act reinforces a commitment to sustainability and leaves a positive legacy.

Support Personal Health

Avoiding toxic chemicals like formaldehyde means less risk for funeral workers. These professionals come in contact with harmful compounds daily, making them susceptible to headaches, eye irritation and lower respiratory problems. As long as formaldehyde is used for preservation, their careers can harm their personal health in the long run. Opting for a greener alternative means advocating for a healthier working environment for funeral staff.

5 Environmentally Friendly Funeral Practices

More and more funeral businesses are adopting eco-friendly methods. Here are some options to consider for a loved one or yourself when the time comes.

1. Natural Burial Grounds

Natural burial grounds feature woodlands, meadows or other landscapes. They prioritize biodegradable materials and avoid embalming chemicals to support the growth and diversity of surrounding flora and fauna. A service usually includes traditional practices, such as religious readings, floral arrangements, memorial tables, eulogies and music. You can also choose a memorial feature to honor your loved one, like a remembrance tree, slate stone or native planting.

2. Conservation Burial

A conservation burial happens in a protected area, usually a nature preserve. It aims to support restoring or protecting natural habitats while providing a sustainable final resting place. This funeral practice often includes a donation or fee that supports ongoing environmental stewardship. Like natural burial grounds, this option helps preserve wildlife habitats. Invasive species are usually removed to help native species thrive in the area.

3. Aquamation

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, this is a sustainable alternative to fire cremation. It involves alkaline chemicals like potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, heat, water, and sometimes agitation and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition. The compound breaks the body’s chemical bonds, converting them to bone fragments and sterile liquid called effluent. It’s often described as a more respectful method, resembling how nature would quietly reclaim the body over time.

4. Biodegradable Caskets and Urns

Using containers that break down naturally in the soil is an intentional decision that rejects the use of resource-intensive materials in conventional products. Biodegradable caskets and urns are made from natural materials like wicker, bamboo, cardboard and seagrass.

5. Terramation

Terramation, also known as human composting or natural organic reduction, is a sustainable end-of-life choice that involves placing the remains in a vessel with natural materials like alfalfa and sawdust. Over the following weeks, the body transforms into fertile soil. This process turns the body into a life-giving resource, moving beyond simply reducing environmental harm to create something beneficial for the planet. It’s a profound, final act of stewardship.

Support an Eco-Friendly Ending

The rising popularity of green burial options proves that saying goodbye can be a way of giving back. These sustainable practices offer a dignified way to complete life’s natural cycle. Explore the options and start a conversation with your loved ones today.