Many of us are trying to live in a more sustainable way, so it makes perfect sense that we’d want our physical goodbye to reflect those same values. Needless to say, an increasing number of individuals and families are thinking carefully about how to make funerals kinder to the planet. But what is the most eco-friendly way to have a funeral in the UK? Let’s explore some of the gentlest options available to us right now.
Natural burials
Woodland and meadow burial sites are one of the greenest choices. They avoid embalming fluids, plastic linings, and concrete vaults, and use biodegradable coffins.
In place of a headstone, families can choose to plant a tree or wildflowers as a living memorial that supports conservation and biodiversity.
(At the end of this article, I’ve included links to some of the natural burial grounds in the Reading/Oxford/Newbury area.)
Greener cremation options
Traditional cremation is energy-intensive, but alternatives are emerging. Resomation (also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis) uses water and alkali instead of fire, with far lower emissions. Currently, this is only offered in a few places in the UK, but the practice is expected to grow.
Biodegradable coffins and urns
Whether you choose burial or cremation, biodegradable options help reduce environmental harm.
Coffins made of willow (or other untreated wood), bamboo, cardboard, seagrass or wool are becoming popular options, and the good news is there are several British suppliers of sustainable coffins to choose from.
For ashes, you can choose a biodegradable urn made from natural materials like coconut shell, cellulose, or sand and salt. Some eco-friendly urns even come with the option of a tree pod or wildflower bed. In these urns, the ashes go in the lower chamber and there is a separate compartment at the top that holds soil and seeds. When buried, the urn decomposes, and the seeds germinate in the surrounding soil. Because ashes are alkaline and can be harmful to plants in raw form, these urns often include a neutralising soil mix, but if they don’t, you should add soil and compost to balance the pH levels.
Little things that make a difference
Sustainability isn’t only about the burial. There are plenty of smaller choices you can make for an eco-friendly farewell. Here are some examples:
In conclusion
The most eco-friendly funeral in the UK often combines a natural burial, a biodegradable coffin, and a simple ceremony that treads lightly on the earth. At its heart, this is about aligning your farewell with your values – creating something meaningful, personal, and kind to the planet.
NATURAL BURIAL GROUNDS NEAR ME
Henley-on-Thames Natural Burial Ground
Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames
Burial and ashes interments
A tranquil, private space where a new native woodland is being planted across the areas where burials take place, so one day there will be a thriving mature woodland with open glades for people and wildlife.
Sheepdrove Burial Wood
Lambourn Downs, Berkshire
Burial and ashes interments
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with organic farm surroundings and an abundance of native wildlife and wildflowers.
Acorn Ridge Natural Burial Ground
Near Newbury, Berkshire
Burial and ash interments
Acorn Ridge comprises meadows, wildflowers, native trees and shrubs.
Oxford Burial Meadow
A burial meadow is proposed for Oxford with wildflower habitat, trees and a sustainable design.
At the time of writing, it is still in planning, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.