A greener goodbye - eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burials and cremation techniques

When we think about living a more eco-friendly life, we often consider recycling, using fewer plastics, or driving electric cars. But what about planning an eco-friendly afterlife? Traditional burial methods can be resource-intensive, using non-biodegradable caskets and harsh chemicals, and even cremation can produce a significant amount of carbon emissions. But as more people are embracing green lifestyles, a wave of eco-friendly burial options has emerged to give us sustainable ways to say goodbye.

Let’s explore some of these greener, gentler options!

1. Green burial

Imagine returning to the earth as naturally as possible, without the fancy (and expensive!) coffin or embalming chemicals. Green burials are all about minimal intervention – the body is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or even just wrapped in a shroud. You’re nestled in nature, and instead of a headstone, trees or wildflowers mark the spot. Not only is this option low-impact, but it also contributes to the surrounding ecosystem, creating a vibrant sanctuary for plants, animals, and visitors.

Eco Perk: No chemicals, no vaults, and a beautiful nature reserve as your resting place. It’s a return to the natural cycle of life!

2. Water cremation

For those looking to skip traditional flame cremation, water cremation (or aquamation) is a fascinating option. Officially called alkaline hydrolysis, this process uses a blend of water and alkaline chemicals to gently break down the body. It’s a warm, water-based journey that’s actually quite similar to the natural decomposition process, only quicker. The result is a fine white ash, much like in cremation, but with only a fraction of the environmental impact.

Eco Perk: Water cremation produces about 90% fewer carbon emissions than traditional cremation, making it a smart choice for those hoping to go out green.

3. Mushroom Burial Suit

You might think mushrooms are just for your pizza, but they’re also amazing decomposers. The Mushroom Burial Suit is an innovative, biodegradable bodysuit woven with mushroom spores. As the body decomposes, the mushrooms sprout and help break it down, filtering out any toxins and enriching the soil in the process. It’s an eco-warrior’s dream—nature’s cleanup crew, working in tandem with you to nourish the environment.

Eco Perk: No embalming or chemicals are needed, and you help to detoxify the earth while sprouting a beautiful array of mushrooms.  

4. Reef Ball Burial

The jury is still out on how "green" this actually is (since it generally involves concrete!), but if you love the ocean, you may like to spend eternity as a part of it!

Reef ball burials involve mixing cremated remains with environmentally safe concrete to form reef-like structures that are placed on the ocean floor. These “reef balls” quickly become habitats for marine life, supporting coral growth, fish, and other sea creatures. It’s a final resting place with a purpose, giving back to one of Earth’s most essential ecosystems.

Eco Perk: Your remains provide a home for marine life, helping to restore fragile ocean reefs and creating a lasting impact.

5. Human Composting

If you’ve ever thought “I’d like to become soil,” then natural organic reduction, or human composting, might be the way to go. This involves placing the body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips and straw. Over time, controlled processes decompose the body into rich, usable compost, which families can take to nourish gardens or contribute to conservation areas. It’s recycling at its finest and https://recompose.life/ is a great source of information on this eco-friendly alternative.

Eco Perk: Human composting uses less energy and produces nutrient-dense soil, making it a fantastic option for Earth-conscious individuals.

A Green Farewell: Choosing the Right Option

If you’re ready to make your final footprint as light as possible, each of these eco-friendly options offers a unique way to give back to the planet - you just need to let your wishes known.

It’s a beautiful thing to know that our last goodbye can be a gift – whether it’s trees growing, coral thriving, or mushrooms flourishing, each option offers a meaningful return to nature. Because even in the end, a little green goes a long way. 

If you've decided on a greener goodbye, make sure you let your family know your choice in your Wishes book!