Environmental Impact of Funerals
Every funeral has an environmental footprint. Traditional burials use embalming chemicals, hardwood caskets, concrete vaults, and maintained cemetery land. Cremation consumes natural gas and releases emissions. Green alternatives minimize these impacts while still honoring the deceased.
Traditional
250 kg
CO2 emissions
Cremation
245 kg
CO2 emissions
Green Burial
50 kg
CO2 emissions
Aquamation
35 kg
CO2 emissions
Compare Environmental Impact
Select an option to see its footprint
Eco-Friendly Options Explained
Green/Natural Burial
- • No embalming or eco-friendly fluids
- • Biodegradable casket or shroud
- • No concrete vault
- • Natural burial ground with native plants
- • Body returns to earth naturally
Aquamation
- • Water-based process using alkali
- • 90% less carbon than cremation
- • No direct emissions
- • Sterile liquid can be safely released
- • Available in ~20 US states
Frequently Asked Questions
A green or natural funeral minimizes environmental impact through: no embalming (or using eco-friendly fluids), biodegradable caskets or shrouds, natural burial grounds without concrete vaults, and conservation-focused cemeteries. The goal is to allow the body to return to the earth naturally.
Green funerals often cost less than traditional funerals: $3,000-$8,000 vs $7,000-$15,000+. Savings come from: no embalming, simpler biodegradable caskets, and natural burial plots (often cheaper than traditional cemeteries). However, green cemeteries may be limited in some areas.
Aquamation uses water and alkali to break down the body, producing about 90% less carbon emissions than cremation. The process takes 6-20 hours and results in bone fragments (like cremation) and sterile liquid. It's legal in about 20 US states and growing.
Conservation cemeteries are natural burial grounds that also serve as nature preserves. They use grave fees to acquire and protect land. Bodies are buried without vaults, in biodegradable containers, with native plant markers instead of headstones.
No, embalming is rarely required by law. It may be required only for: shipping remains across state lines, long delays between death and burial, or certain public viewings. Refrigeration is an alternative. Ask your funeral home about non-embalming options.
Options include: wicker/willow caskets, bamboo caskets, cardboard caskets, pine or softwood caskets, wool caskets/coffins, and simple burial shrouds. Costs range from $100 (shroud) to $2,000 (wicker). All decompose naturally in the ground.