An overview for a sustainable funeral
- Debby
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
There are so many possibilities for a funeral! Actually, everything is possible. And also increasingly leaving a better world behind through more sustainable choices is possible through more and more awareness. In this table I have written them globally down for you clearly and hopefully give you ideas 💕 Of course you can combine.
Hier is de tabel met vertaling naar het Engels:
Category | Sustainable Options |
1. Sustainable Coffin, Shroud, Bier, Urn | Coffin: Ecological materials such as untreated wood, bamboo, mycelium (mushroom root network), willow branches, or cardboard. Shroud: Natural fibers such as organic cotton or linen. Bier: You may also need a stretcher or bier to combine with a shroud. With a shroud you can also still use a coffin. Materials for them could be for example that could be of recycled wood, willow branches or bamboo. Urn: Sustainable materials such as wood, clay, willow, or plant-based composites. |
2. Nature-Friendly Cremation, Burial, or Resomation | Cremation: Choose a crematorium with energy-efficient techniques or waste heat reuse. Burial: Natural burial using biodegradable materials and without concrete grave vaults. Resomation: Water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis (not yet legal in the Netherlands). |
3. Natural Burial Grounds | Ecological Cemeteries: Natural burial grounds without tombstones, managed ecologically. Restrictions: Check regulations on materials allowed in natural burial grounds. |
4. Gravestone Alternatives | Natural Stones: Locally sourced, unprocessed natural stone. Reusing Existing Stones: Gravestones refurbished as new, such as by Circle Stone or similar initiatives. Monument: A beautiful tree or shrub as an alternative to a traditional gravestone, or a tree slice with engraving, or a special shelter for animals. |
5. Sustainable Preservation | Without Embalming: Avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Cooling: Sustainable alternatives include refrigeration (commonly used) or moistening sod under the coffin several times a day. |
6. Eco-Friendly Funeral Cards and Invitations | Digital Invitations: Avoid paper and energy consumption. Paper Cards: Use recycled paper or FSC-certified paper with eco-friendly ink. |
7. Green Catering | Organic and Local: Serve locally and organically produced food. Vegetarian or Vegan: Avoid meat, dairy, and other animal products for a lower ecological impact—a meaningful gesture for animal lovers. |
8. Sustainable Flowers | Organic Flowers: Pesticide-free flowers. Local Seasonal Flowers: Avoid flowers that are out of season or grown far from the location. Alternatives: Donations to environmental causes or planting a tree. |
9. Sustainable Transport | Funeral Transport: Electric vehicles, funeral bicycles, carpooling, or public transport. Location Choice: Choose a location close to attendees and combine wake, ceremony, and condolence gathering in one place. |
10. Memorial | Memorial Trees: Plant a tree or create a memorial forest. Digital Memorial Site: Create an online space for memories and photos. |
11. Eco-Friendly Mourning Practices | Memorial Gifts: Seed paper with a message or seed bombs for growing flowers or trees. Sustainable Monument: Gravestone from local natural stone or a memorial plaque made from recycled materials. |
12. Ecological Impact Compensation | CO₂ Compensation: Donate to projects that plant trees or support other environmental initiatives. |
13. Awareness | Open Communication: Inform family and friends about sustainable choices and involve them in the process. |
All interesting considerations to see what suits you. If you would like to record them right away, you can easily do so with the Last Wish List. Everything is automatically included here. This can be for a traditional funeral or as sustainable as you want. Please also let me know via dewadeinfo@gmail.com if you are missing something or would like to see something different in the list, this will help others in the future. I will then see what I can do with this.
It is really good that you are thinking about sustainability and much success and inspiration!
Love and take care,
Debby
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