What Are Green Funerals and Are They the Right Choice for You?

Green funerals are becoming a more common choice for families who want a more environmentally conscious way to say goodbye.

00:27 30 July 2025

Green funerals are becoming a more common choice for families who want a more environmentally conscious way to say goodbye. They offer an alternative to traditional funeral practices by focusing on reducing environmental impact using natural materials, with minimal intervention and sustainable burial options.

What Is a Green Funeral?

A green funeral, sometimes called a natural funeral, aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional funeral practices. This approach avoids materials and processes that are not biodegradable or carbon efficient. Common elements include:

• No embalming or chemical preservation
• Use of biodegradable coffins, shrouds, or urns
• Burial in natural or woodland burial grounds
• Minimal use of motor vehicles
• Avoids artificial décor, polished wood, metals and plastics

The emphasis is on returning the body to the earth in a natural way. Green funerals are usually simpler than conventional funerals, but they can still include personalised elements that reflect the life of the person being remembered.

How Green Funerals Differ from Traditional Funerals

Traditional funerals often involve embalming, hardwood or veneered coffins, cremation, and the use of floral arrangements or polished headstones. These features can have a higher environmental footprint, especially when non-biodegradable materials and energy-intensive processes are involved.

In contrast, a green funeral eliminates embalming and uses untreated wood or wicker coffins. The burial takes place in a natural setting, such as a woodland or meadow, and the grave is often marked with a simple wooden plaque or no marker at all. Cremation can be included in green funerals, although it is not always the preferred option due to its energy use. That said, some families still choose cremation and focus on using eco-friendly urns and limiting unnecessary decoration.

It comes down to personal choice. A green funeral is not necessarily cheaper, but it reflects a desire for simplicity and environmental awareness.

What a Green Funeral Typically Involves

If you opt for a green funeral, here are the elements usually involved:

Coffin or Shroud:

Coffins are made from biodegradable materials such as willow, cardboard, bamboo, or FSC-certified softwood. In some cases, families may choose a burial shroud made of cotton or wool.

Burial Location:

The body is buried in a designated natural burial ground or green section of a local cemetery. These areas often avoid formal landscaping and allow natural vegetation to grow.

No Embalming:

Green funerals avoid embalming fluids. This keeps harmful chemicals out of the soil and groundwater.

Grave Markers:

There may be a small wooden marker, a tree, or even no marker at all. Many natural burial sites use GPS coordinates to help families locate the grave.

Memorial Elements:

Instead of floral tributes, families may choose to plant a tree or allow wildflowers to grow naturally over the site. Services can still include music, readings, or quiet reflection, depending on personal wishes.

Green funerals can still take place through local funeral directors who are often the most familiar with the process and can offer advice on planning and legal requirements.

Is a Green Funeral Right for You or Your Loved One?

Personal Beliefs or Lifestyle:

If someone lived in a way that emphasised environmental awareness, a green funeral may feel more fitting. It also appeals to those who prefer minimal intervention and less formality.

Cost:

Green funerals are not always cheaper. The cost depends on the burial site, coffin type, and any additional elements. However, avoiding embalming and ornate materials may reduce some costs compared to a more traditional funeral.

Availability of Burial Sites:

Check whether there is a natural burial site near you. Some cemeteries now offer dedicated green areas, while others work with privately managed natural burial grounds.

Inclusion in Prepaid Funeral Plans:

Green funerals can be included in prepaid funeral plans, depending on the provider. A clear plan helps avoid confusion later and ensures your preferences are recorded. Speak with local funeral directors to check what green options they can support through a plan.

Final Thoughts

Green funerals offer a thoughtful, practical approach to end-of-life arrangements. They focus on reducing environmental impact while still allowing space for meaningful remembrance. Choosing a green funeral doesn’t mean sacrificing dignity or personalisation. It simply means doing things differently.

Local funeral directors are well-placed to guide you through what’s available in your area. Whether you’re planning ahead or arranging a service for a loved one, you can speak with them about how a green funeral fits into your priorities, and whether it can be part of your prepaid funeral plan.

If you’d like to learn more about green funeral options or what’s available locally, start with a conversation. The right guidance will help you make an informed choice.