How to Plan a Green Funeral
As the population becomes more and more aware of the environmental impacts of many actions, industries are starting to adapt and change. The funeral industry is no exception to this rule – green funerals and burials are becoming more accessible, with some states even legalizing entirely new and eco-friendly ways of handling remains. If you’re interested in a green funeral or are curious about the steps it takes to plan one, this article provides just that type of guidance.
What is a green burial?
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is an eco-friendly funeral alternative to traditional funerals that minimizes the environmental impact by forgoing embalming, using biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and avoiding concrete vaults. In a green burial, the body is returned to the earth in a way that promotes natural decomposition, enhances soil health, and conserves natural resources. Green burials often take place in designated natural burial grounds or green burial cemeteries, which are maintained using sustainable practices, like minimizing the use of pesticides and avoiding manicured lawns. The goal is to create a simple, environmentally conscious way to honor the deceased while preserving the natural landscape.
How much do green burials and funerals cost?
Green burials typically cost between $900 and $8,000, depending on factors such as the method of disposition, location of the burial plot (if applicable), the choice of biodegradable casket or shroud, and the services provided by a funeral home. Some who choose green burials opt for direct cremations, which can sometimes be as inexpensive as $600 in some states.
Green burials are often more affordable than traditional burials, as they avoid expensive elements like embalming, concrete vaults, and elaborate caskets, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
What options are there for a green funeral?
Green funerals offer several options, each designed to minimize environmental impact while honoring the deceased in an eco-friendly way:
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Natural burial: The body is buried in a biodegradable casket or shroud without embalming, in a designated natural burial ground or green cemetery. These sites often prohibit concrete vaults, headstones, and synthetic materials, allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.
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Conservation burial: Similar to a natural burial, a conservation burial takes place in a burial ground that is specifically designated as a protected natural area. The burial fees may help fund the preservation and maintenance of the land, supporting ongoing conservation efforts.
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Home burial: In areas where it is legally allowed, a home burial can take place on private property. The body is buried in a simple, biodegradable container or shroud without embalming. This option allows for a more intimate, personalized ceremony and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and cemetery maintenance.
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Water burial with biodegradable urns: For those choosing cremation, a biodegradable urn made from materials like salt, sand, or paper can be used for a water burial. These urns are designed to dissolve or biodegrade naturally when placed in water, making them ideal for scattering ashes in oceans, lakes, or rivers.
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Tree or planting memorials: Some biodegradable urns are trees. They come with embedded seeds or saplings, allowing for a tree or plant to grow as the urn decomposes in the soil. This creates a living memorial that provides habitat for wildlife and helps restore natural landscapes.
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Burial at sea: Bodies can be buried at sea in accordance with specific regulations, using a biodegradable casket or shroud. This option requires compliance with local laws and permits and is often conducted by specialized services to ensure environmental responsibility.
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Water cremation (Alkaline hydrolysis): An alternative to traditional flame-based cremation, alkaline hydrolysis uses water and potassium hydroxide to decompose the body, resulting in less carbon emissions and energy use. The remaining bones are processed into ash and can be buried or scattered.
Each of these green methods of dispositions provide a way to honor the deceased while minimizing environmental impact, allowing for a meaningful and sustainable farewell.
Choosing between biodegradable caskets
There are several types of green biodegradable caskets, each designed to decompose naturally and have minimal environmental impact. Some common types include:
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Wicker caskets: Made from woven materials like willow, bamboo, seagrass, or rattan, wicker caskets are lightweight, sturdy, and fully biodegradable. They are often handmade and sourced sustainably.
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Wooden caskets: Crafted from untreated, sustainably harvested wood like pine, poplar, or maple, these green burial caskets are free of toxic finishes or metal components. They may use natural glues or wooden pegs instead of nails or screws.
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Cardboard caskets: These are made from recycled or sustainably sourced cardboard and are lightweight, affordable, and biodegradable. They can often be personalized with eco-friendly decorations or messages.
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Wool or cotton caskets: Constructed from natural fabrics like wool or organic cotton over a biodegradable frame, these caskets are soft, flexible, and provide an eco-friendly alternative that can decompose naturally.
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Bamboo caskets: Bamboo caskets are similar to wicker caskets but specifically use bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource. They are lightweight, durable, and biodegradable, with a natural look and feel.
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Shrouds: While not technically a casket, natural fiber shrouds made from materials like linen, hemp, or cotton can be used to wrap the body directly for burial. Shrouds are simple, fully biodegradable, and often used in conjunction with simple burial boards.
These options provide a range of choices for those seeking a sustainable and environmentally friendly burial option.
Choosing between biodegradable urns
There are several types of biodegradable urns for ashes that are designed to decompose naturally over time, each suitable for different types of burials or scattering ceremonies. Here are the main types:
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Paper urns: Made from recycled or handmade paper, these urns are lightweight, versatile, and are great biodegradable cremation urns. They are ideal for water burials, as they float briefly before gradually sinking and breaking down in the water. Some paper urns are designed with decorative elements or personalized touches.
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Salt urns: Crafted from compacted natural salt, these urns are perfect for water burials. They dissolve slowly in water, ensuring a dignified ceremony. Salt urns are heavy, which helps them sink quickly, and they fully dissolve within a few hours to days, depending on water conditions.
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Sand urns: Made from a mixture of sand and gelatin, these urns are also suited for water burials. They are designed to break down slowly, similar to salt urns, but offer a different texture and appearance. They are usually heavier and provide a smooth, polished look.
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Bamboo urns: Constructed from sustainably harvested bamboo, these urns are sturdy and suitable for ground burial. Bamboo is a renewable resource that decomposes over time in the soil, making it an eco-friendly choice for those who prefer a natural, earthy appearance.
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Wood urns: Made from sustainably sourced, untreated wood such as pine, maple, or poplar, these urns are designed for ground burial. They are often handcrafted and may be left unfinished or finished with non-toxic materials. Wood urns decompose naturally over time, returning nutrients to the earth.
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Cornstarch urns: Made from plant-based cornstarch, these urns are biodegradable and suitable for ground burial. They are sturdy and can be molded into various shapes and designs. Cornstarch urns decompose over time, especially in moist conditions, without releasing harmful substances.
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Biodegradable plant-fiber urns: Made from natural plant fibers like coconut coir, hemp, or jute, these urns are designed for ground burial and offer a rustic, organic look. They decompose naturally over time and may help enrich the soil.
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Clay or terracotta urns: These urns are made from natural clay or terra cotta and are designed for ground burial. Although they are biodegradable, they break down more slowly than some other materials, allowing them to retain their shape longer in the soil before gradually decomposing.
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Seed-infused urns: These urns are made from biodegradable materials and contain embedded seeds, allowing a tree or plant to grow as the urn decomposes. They are ideal for those who wish to create a living memorial in honor of the deceased.
Each type of biodegradable urn is created to honor the deceased while minimizing environmental impact, allowing for a meaningful and eco-friendly farewell.
How to plan a green funeral
Planning a green funeral is an eco-friendly way to honor a loved one while minimizing environmental impact. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan an environmentally conscious funeral.
Step 1: Choose a method of disposition**
The first step in planning a green funeral is to decide how the body will be handled in an environmentally friendly way. Some common green methods include:
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Natural burial: The body is buried without embalming or is embalmed using eco-friendly products. Biodegradable coffins or shrouds are used, and the body decomposes naturally in a green or conservation cemetery.
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Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): A water-based cremation process that uses a solution of water and potassium hydroxide to break down the body, consuming less energy and producing fewer emissions than traditional cremation.
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Human composting: In states where human composting is legal, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition. This option is highly sustainable and reduces carbon emissions.
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Green cremation: Although traditional cremation is not usually eco-friendly, using renewable energy for the process and choosing biodegradable urns for the ashes are ways to make cremation greener.
Step 2: Choose a green cemetery and/or funeral home
Once you’ve decided on a method of disposition, the next step is selecting a green cemetery or funeral home that aligns with your values.
Step 3: Consider embalming options
Traditional embalming uses chemicals like formaldehyde, which are harmful to the environment. In a green funeral:
- Opt for no embalming when possible.
- If embalming is necessary, request eco-friendly embalming fluids that are free from toxic chemicals.
Step 4: Choose biodegradable coffins, shrouds, or urns
For a green funeral, you’ll want to use sustainable and biodegradable materials for the burial or cremation container.
- Coffins: Select coffins made from natural, untreated wood, wicker, bamboo, or cardboard. These materials decompose naturally and don’t contribute to environmental waste.
- Shrouds: For those opting for a burial without a coffin, biodegradable shrouds made from materials like cotton or linen can be used to wrap the body.
- Urns: If you choose cremation, consider biodegradable urns made from materials like salt, sand, or recycled paper. These are ideal for burial or scattering the ashes in an eco-friendly manner.
Step 5: Plan an eco-friendly memorial
Green funerals extend beyond the burial to include eco-conscious memorial practices. This could include:
- Natural markers: Instead of a traditional tombstone, opt for a natural marker such as a tree, plant, or engraved stone. Some green cemeteries offer memorial tree planting programs where a tree is planted in memory of the deceased.
- Local flowers: If you want flowers at the funeral, choose locally grown, pesticide-free options, or opt for plant-based arrangements that can be replanted.
Step 6: Encourage donations in lieu of flowers
To reduce waste and support a cause that aligns with your values, encourage attendees to make donations to environmental organizations in memory of the deceased. This reduces the number of cut flowers and helps further eco-friendly causes.
Step 7: Coordinate final details
The logistics of a green funeral can involve some final considerations, including:
- Sustainable catering: If there is a reception or gathering, offer locally sourced or plant-based food to minimize the environmental footprint.
- Memorial planning: Plan an eco-friendly gathering, such as a nature walk, tree-planting ceremony, or a biodegradable balloon release, to honor your loved one in harmony with nature.
By following these steps, you can plan a meaningful, eco-friendly funeral that honors your loved one while respecting the environment. Each decision, from choosing a disposition method to selecting green funeral services, contributes to a lasting legacy that reflects both sustainability and respect for the earth.
One way to ensure sustainability is to opt for something online instead of physical programs or invitations to a green funeral. You can accomplish this easily by creating a memorial website on Ever Loved. Memorial websites on Ever Loved allow you to share event information, memories, and updates with family and friends, while keeping everything online and paperless. It’s an eco-friendly way to manage logistics and create a meaningful tribute.
