What does an eco-funeral look like?
The word gets banded about quite a bit but have you ever thought what it actually means to have a green funeral?
An eco funeral (also called a green funeral or natural burial) is a type of funeral designed to have minimal environmental impact. It focuses on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional burial or cremation practices.
Key Features of an Eco Funeral:
Biodegradable Materials
The body is buried in a biodegradable coffin, shroud, or urn — often made from materials like wicker, bamboo, cardboard, or untreated wood.
No synthetic linings, metals, or chemical finishes are used.
No Embalming Chemicals
The body is not embalmed with formaldehyde or other toxic preservatives, which can leach into the soil and groundwater.
Natural preservation methods (like refrigeration or dry ice) are used instead.
Natural Burial Sites
The burial takes place in a natural burial ground, woodland cemetery, or designated section of a cemetery with minimal landscaping.
Headstones are often replaced with natural markers like rocks, plants, or GPS coordinates.
Alternative to Cremation
Cremation is less eco-friendly than many assume — it uses fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases.
However, some opt for water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), which is considered a more eco-friendly alternative (however this option is not yet available in the UK)
Sustainable Memorial Practices
Memorials may involve planting a tree, creating a habitat for wildlife, or supporting conservation efforts.
Memorial services often reflect ecological values — like using local, seasonal flowers or digital programs instead of printed ones.
Why Choose an Eco Funeral?
Environmental Concern: Reduces pollution, resource use, and ecological disruption.
Simplicity: Often less expensive and more personal.
Spiritual or Ethical Beliefs: Aligns with values of returning to the earth naturally.
Flexibility: An eco funeral often allows more flexibility in terms of both time, creativity and money. They can be a lot cheaper than traditional options.
Not sure where to start planning for an eco-funeral for yourself or a loved one? Well I can help…
📩 Get in touch for a free 20-minute chat about planning your or a loved one’s eco-funeral. If your query is time sensitive please text/WhatsApp me on: +44 7811 699 335
Celebrant Mounira: Kent funeral celebrant crafting modern, personalised, inclusive and creative eco-funeral ceremonies that honour and connect.