In this time of heightened awareness of the impact of human lives on our environment, many people are also asking how we can reduce the impact of human deaths on our environment. It’s important to know what your options are, because planning for a green funeral and burial should, ideally, start before a death occurs.

1.     Have the conversation. If having a green funeral and burial is important to you, have that conversation with your loved ones before you die, and identify a funeral home that will accommodate your wishes. 

2.     Opting against embalming does not limit your options for a visitation and funeral. Foregoing embalming is a pillar of the green burial movement. What many people don’t know is that embalming is not a requirement for a funeral or burial – and in fact, the deceased can even be viewed without embalming. All that is required in order for the deceased to be viewed is bathing and dressing. Respecting our own, physical bodies is an integral part of respecting our environment.

3.     Funerals can be green, too. Although there’s not necessarily “one way” to have an entirely green funeral, there are numerous options within and around the funeral that can make the service more green. Here are just a few examples:

• Consider asking friends and family to plant a tree instead of sending flowers, or if they want to send flowers, opt for a plant that can be potted or planted outside after the services are over.

• If you’re going to have a service program or prayer cards, ask your funeral director to use only 100% recycled paper.

• Funerals can be held outdoors! If being outside and enjoying the natural environment was important to you in life, consider having your funeral outdoors, as well.

4. Green disposition. Currently, in the State of Texas, ground burial is the only real green option for the final disposition of the body of the deceased. Cremation by way of incineration uses a significant amount of natural gas. A greener version of cremation that utilizes water and alkaline chemicals (along with heat and pressure) is now an option in some states, but the practice is not yet permitted in Texas. For a green burial, the body of the deceased may be buried either in a biodegradable box or without any sort of container. Not all cemeteries allow green burials – ensure that the cemetery you choose does allow green burials before you purchase cemetery property.