What is the most eco-friendly way to be buried?

As awareness of our environmental impact grows, more people are asking: what is the most eco-friendly way to be buried? It’s a deeply personal question—and one that’s leading many to rethink traditional funeral practices in favour of something simpler, more natural, and kinder to the planet.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes a burial eco-friendly, the most sustainable options available in the UK, and how you can choose a farewell that reflects both your values and your love for the Earth.

What Does “Eco-Friendly Burial” Mean?

To understand the most eco-friendly way to be buried, it helps to know what we’re avoiding.

Traditional burials often involve:

• Embalming fluids that contain toxic chemicals

• Hardwood coffins sourced unsustainably

• Concrete vaults or linings that remain in the ground indefinitely

• Headstones and manicured lawns that require constant maintenance and fossil fuel use

By contrast, eco-friendly burial methods aim to:

• Minimise pollution and carbon emissions

• Use only biodegradable, natural materials

• Support wildlife and native vegetation

• Leave the lightest possible trace on the land

So, What Is the Most Eco-Friendly Way to Be Buried?

The most environmentally friendly way to be buried is a natural or green burial—also known as an eco burial. This type of burial allows the body to return to the Earth without harming it.

Here’s what it typically includes:

• No embalming
  Embalming chemicals can leach into the soil and water. Natural burials avoid them entirely.

• Biodegradable coffin or shroud
  Choose a coffin made from cardboard, wicker, willow, bamboo, seagrass, or wool. These break down naturally and don’t release toxins.

• Burial in a natural setting
  Natural burial grounds—such as woodlands, meadows, or orchards—encourage wildlife and support conservation. The land is left undisturbed and allowed to flourish.

• Minimal marking
  Instead of headstones, graves are often marked with trees, wildflowers, or GPS coordinates, preserving the natural beauty of the landscape.

This kind of burial not only reduces environmental impact—it actively helps protect the land, enrich soil, and support biodiversity.

What Are Natural Burial Grounds?

Natural burial grounds are specially designated places where only eco-friendly burials are permitted. There are now over 250 natural burial grounds in the UK, and they are growing in number as more people seek greener alternatives.

These peaceful places often feel more like nature reserves than cemeteries. Some are part of rewilding projects, family farms, or community woodlands.

Choosing a natural burial ground is one of the most eco-friendly ways to be buried, as the land is managed for long-term conservation and nature restoration.

Other Eco-Friendly Burial Ideas

In addition to natural burial, there are a few other options for those wanting to make their goodbye as green as possible: Environmentally Friendly Coffins:

Mushroom Coffins (Mycelium Burial Pods)

Made from living mycelium, these coffins decompose rapidly and help break down toxins in the body, enriching the soil in the process.

Shroud-Only Burial

Some people choose to be buried in just a biodegradable shroud, with no coffin at all. This is often the simplest and most natural option.

Tree Pod Burials

Innovative pod systems allow the body to become part of a growing tree. While not widely available in the UK yet, the concept is gaining interest for its symbolism and environmental benefits.

A Lasting Gift to Nature

Choosing the most eco-friendly way to be buried is more than a personal decision—it’s a gift to the future. It means your final act is one of renewal, helping protect the land and leave the world a little better than you found it.

Whether it’s under a tree, among wildflowers, or in a quiet corner of countryside, an eco burial allows you to return to the Earth gently, with love, and with purpose.