Green funerals – eco burials and greener cremations
Last updated 14th June 2022
3 min read
The modern world is changing to be more eco-friendly, and funerals are adapting with it.
Eco-friendly funerals and greener cremations are becoming more popular. They give people a way to return their body to the earth in the most natural way possible. This type of funeral reduces your impact on the environment – and may even give something back.
In this guide, we’ll cover exactly what a green funeral is, the options available to you, and how you can start planning your own eco-friendly burial or cremation.
What is an eco-friendly funeral?
An eco-friendly funeral is a type of burial that is less harmful and has less impact on the environment. An eco funeral often occurs in a natural memorial setting, with a biodegradable coffin and a small, personal ceremony.
Why should I choose an eco funeral?
With many of us more conscious about our carbon footprint, it’s only natural that we think about our impact on the environment, even after death.
Eco-friendly funerals are the answer, offering to reduce your carbon footprint with less chemicals, less pollution and more consideration for wildlife.
However, there are other reasons to choose an eco funeral beyond the environmental considerations.
Eco-friendly funerals are often cheaper
A green funeral tends to be cheaper than a traditional burial, or even cremation. The ceremony itself can be simpler and personalised, reducing costs.
Eco-friendly burials also offer alternative biodegradable coffins such as willow or bamboo. These are cheaper than their solid wood counterparts.
A beautiful resting place
Eco funerals such as woodland burials take place in a rural, natural setting. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, your loved ones will have views of wildflowers, protected woodland areas or a designated green forest area.
Natural places such as this offer a peaceful resting place for you, whilst giving any visitors a quiet place to return to.
Eco funeral and green funeral options
If you think a green funeral sounds like something you’d be interested in, it’s worth knowing the different types of eco-friendly options available...
What is an eco-friendly burial?
An eco-friendly burial, often called a natural burial or woodland burial, involves laying a person to rest in a designated natural area. Eco burials are often non-traditional, with a biodegradable coffin or shroud, a natural headstone and a shallow grave.
Is there a green version of cremation?
Cremation is often seen as more harmful to the environment, due to the high fuel and energy usage. This has resulted in scientists researching ways to reduce the carbon footprint of cremation, such as water cremation(resomation.com opens in a new tab).
While water cremation isn’t available in the UK right now, there are other ways you can have a greener cremation, including:
- Choosing a biodegradable cardboard cremation container
- Using a biodegradable or natural urn for the remains
- Selecting a cremation provider that uses energy-efficient furnaces
- Opting for a direct cremation to skip the embalming process
What other green funeral types are there?
Eco-friendly burials and green cremations are certainly the most popular sustainable funeral choices, but there are other options out there.
Here are just a few of the other green funeral types you could consider:
- Sea burial
- Mushroom suit burial
- Body composting
- Burial shrouds
These sustainable and environmentally-friendly funerals aren’t usually covered by traditional funeral plans, and they can often cost more. So it’s best to do some research on these funeral types before making any plans.
If you are interested in a green funeral, Over 50s life insurance might be a more suitable option than a traditional funeral plan. It provides a cash payout that can be spent however you or your loved ones choose, offering the flexibility to opt for a more alternative funeral type.
How can I start planning my eco funeral?
If you’re thinking about planning an eco funeral for yourself, or you're helping a loved one plan a green funeral, it’s worth thinking about which of the above options you’d prefer.
Think about how you’d like your resting place to reflect your life, and whether you’d prefer a burial or cremation.
Once you have an idea in mind, you could speak to a funeral director about what’s available in your local area. They’ll help you with the next steps.
Green funerals are not usually covered by traditional funeral plans. But they could be paid for with the help of life insurance. Just be sure to let your loved ones know your funeral wishes in advance.
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The thoughts and opinions expressed in the page are those of the authors, intended to be informative, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SunLife. See our Terms of Use for more info.