The average American funeral costs around $7,848, but there are more affordable and environmentally-friendly alternatives available. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and eco-conscious burial method, consider the green burial movement. This approach aims to reduce environmental impact and offers sustainable after-death options. Here are some green burial methods to consider.

What Is Green Burial?

The Green Burial Council defines green burial as “a way to care for the dead with minimal environmental impact.” These methods prioritize eco-friendly practices that avoid traditional funeral customs, like embalming and metal caskets. Green burials focus on natural decomposition and sustainability, creating a lasting positive impact on the environment. If green burial aligns with your values, it may be a meaningful choice for you.

Green Burial Options to Consider

1. Coral Reef Urns For ocean lovers, coral reef urns offer a unique way to memorialize a loved one. This method works by using the deceased’s cremated remains to help build artificial reefs. The urn is made from a pH-balanced material that promotes coral growth. Ashes can be mixed with cement to create a coral reef ball, which serves as a habitat for marine life. This method supports the restoration of coral reefs, which have been severely impacted by climate change. Many services offer a GPS location of the reef, allowing families to visit the site.
2. Promession Developed by Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, Promession is a theoretical process that freezes a body with liquid nitrogen and then vibrates it into fragments. The remains are placed in a biodegradable coffin and buried in soil, where the body’s carbon naturally decomposes, benefiting the Earth. Although Promession is not yet available to the public, it has gained attention and may one day be an option for environmentally conscious burials.
3. Capsula Mundi The Capsula Mundi is a biodegradable burial pod in the shape of an egg. It replaces traditional caskets and serves as a sustainable option for cremated remains. The egg is buried in soil, and over time, it breaks down, allowing the ashes to return to the Earth. The process encourages the planting of a tree above the burial site, turning it into a living memorial. This method promotes sustainability and provides an alternative to cemeteries filled with tombstones.
4. Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation) Alkaline Hydrolysis, also known as water cremation, is a greener alternative to traditional cremation. The process uses water and alkaline solutions to break down the body, leaving behind sterile liquid and bone fragments. This method uses less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35%. It’s a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional cremation, which relies on high heat and fossil fuels. Although legal in many states, it’s important to check local regulations.
5. Mushroom Burial Suit (Infinity Burial Suit): The Mushroom Burial Suit is a biodegradable garment infused with fungi that help decompose the body. This suit accelerates the process of turning the body into nutrient-rich soil, aiding in toxin neutralization. For those who wish to leave a positive environmental impact, this suit offers a meaningful option. It has been used by high-profile individuals, such as the late actor Luke Perry, who was buried in one. The suit costs around $1,500 and is a symbol of a commitment to sustainability.
6. Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting) Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), also known as human composting, turns human remains into nutrient-rich soil. The process, which is similar to composting food scraps, safely decomposes the body and produces usable soil that can be used for planting. Legalized in Washington State in 2019, NOR is gaining popularity as a way to return a person to nature. The method has been proven safe through livestock composting, and it is growing in availability as more states legalize it.

Why Choose Green Burial?

Choosing how to care for your body after death is a deeply personal decision. Many people opt for green burials to reduce their environmental footprint while also offering a unique, meaningful way to return to nature. Whether through coral reef urns, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction, these methods offer a sustainable alternative to traditional burial practices. Plus, green burials often cost less than conventional funerals, making them a more affordable option for many.

There are several green burial companies and services available in the U.S. and Canada. These services provide alternatives to traditional funerals, allowing you to make an environmentally conscious choice that suits your values and budget.

Green burial is about leaving a legacy that goes beyond a headstone—it’s about giving back to the Earth meaningfully. For more information about planning for end-of-life, sign up for Peacefully today.