What is a Green Burial? A Guide to Eco-Friendly Funeral Options

For many, sustainability isn’t just an important consideration; it’s a way of life. However, it can go beyond the boundaries of life, as well. How we leave the world is a consideration we all have to deal with at some point, and, to that end, the top minds have been working on finding the most eco-friendly ways to say goodbye and to dispose of the earthly remains after we’re no longer of this world. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common methods, from the most advanced to the traditional and simple.

Natural Burials

Just as we recycle the waste of the products we use, we can recycle the very bodies that we live in, as well. A natural burial is a simple method, involving using a biodegradable shroud or simple wooden coffin instead of metal caskets and embalming fluids, to allow it to decompose naturally. Cemeteries dedicated to green burials often preserve native landscapes rather than manicured lawns, which supports local biodiversity.

Biodegradable Urns

Even if you want a more sustainable way to be put at rest, some people simply don’t like the thought of burial, nor the costs that can come with it. For those who choose cremation (or alternative methods as we’ll explore before), biodegradable urns provide a sustainable option to more traditional containers. Whether made of wood, recycled paper, plant fibers, or otherwise, they’re designed to eventually break down when placed in soil or the water.

Aquamation

Also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, this is a more innovative approach that uses a warm water solution to break down the body naturally, until only pure bone remains. As such, it uses a lot less energy and produces fewer emissions than traditional cremation. Aquamation still provides families with the ability to keep or scatter their loved one’s ashes, but it is a much more modern and compassionate way to say goodbye.

Burial Suits

Another green innovation, burial suits are made from biodegradable fabrics and natural materials that are designed to easily decompose. They can even incorporate mushroom spores or other natural fibers that are designed to accelerate the process of returning the body to nature. In this way, we are able to ensure that we fully nourish the soil, fostering new growth instead of creating waste that lasts for longer beneath the earth. This is often paired with natural burials and other eco-friendly burial methods.

Body Donation

Aside from wholly setting aside the need to deal with the body after we’re no longer in it, donating your body to medical or scientific study is also a way to make an impact that genuinely improves society. Whether it’s in helping train the medical professionals of tomorrow or supporting researchers, you could play a role in helping to save a life even after yours has ended.

While the topic may seem somewhat morbid, there is perhaps no better way to celebrate a life that’s been dedicated to sustainability than to ensure it ends sustainably, as well.

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