As public awareness of climate change continues to grow, more people in the UK are considering the environmental impact of the choices they make—not just in life, but in death too. Funerals, while deeply personal and rooted in tradition, can carry a surprisingly large carbon footprint. From transportation and embalming to the materials used in coffins and the emissions from cremations, the impact adds up quickly. However, with a growing interest in greener alternatives, there are now many ways to honour a loved one’s life while being mindful of the planet.
The average traditional funeral may not seem like an environmental concern at first glance, but when broken down into its individual components, it becomes easier to see where emissions are generated—and how they can be reduced through more sustainable planning.
How Traditional Funerals Affect the Environment
A typical UK funeral that involves cremation or burial can generate significant emissions. Cremations alone are estimated to release over 150 kg of CO₂ per body, primarily from the energy required to operate the cremator, which burns at temperatures of around 1,000°C. The use of fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Burials, on the other hand, have their own environmental challenges. The process of embalming involves the use of chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can leach into the ground and contaminate soil and water over time. Additionally, the materials used for traditional coffins—particularly hardwood, metal or those lined with synthetic fabrics—require considerable resources to produce and may not biodegrade easily.
The wider funeral process can also involve emissions from vehicle use, floral arrangements sourced from abroad, and printed orders of service. While individually small, these elements add up to a larger environmental footprint when viewed as a whole.
Green Burials and Natural Funerals
For those seeking a more environmentally conscious option, green burials provide an alternative that significantly reduces emissions and avoids many of the chemicals and materials associated with traditional funerals. Natural burial grounds are often set in meadows, woodland or conservation areas, with an emphasis on simplicity and ecological sensitivity.
In a green burial, embalming is usually avoided, and the body is placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. These coffins are typically made from materials like untreated wood, cardboard, wicker or bamboo, all of which break down naturally over time. Burial sites are often not marked with traditional headstones but instead with trees, simple plaques or GPS coordinates to minimise disruption to the natural landscape.
Green burials support local biodiversity and help preserve open land. Many people find comfort in knowing their final resting place contributes positively to the environment, rather than detracting from it.
Reducing Emissions from Cremations
While cremation remains a popular choice in the UK, steps can still be taken to make it a greener option. Some crematoria are investing in advanced filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions, including mercury from dental fillings. Electric-powered cremators, although not yet widespread, are also being introduced in some areas to reduce reliance on gas.
Direct cremation—where the body is cremated without a traditional funeral service beforehand—is another lower-impact option. It removes the need for processions, multiple vehicle journeys and elaborate floral displays, reducing both carbon emissions and overall costs. Families can still choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life afterwards in a way that suits their values.
Sustainable Choices for Coffins and Urns
The choice of coffin or urn can make a big difference to the environmental impact of a funeral. Many funeral directors now offer a wide range of eco-friendly options made from biodegradable or sustainably sourced materials. Wicker, banana leaf, willow, seagrass and recycled cardboard are all viable alternatives that perform the same function without leaving a lasting environmental burden.
For cremated remains, biodegradable urns allow ashes to be returned to the earth in a gentle and natural way. Some are designed to be planted with a tree seed or placed in water to dissolve over time. These thoughtful products turn a symbolic gesture into one that actively benefits the environment.
Reducing the Carbon Impact of Transport
One of the most overlooked contributors to a funeral’s carbon footprint is travel. From hearses to family vehicles and guests travelling from different parts of the country, transport can account for a large portion of a funeral’s emissions. Opting for a local venue, encouraging car-sharing and choosing a funeral director that uses electric or hybrid vehicles can all help reduce this impact.
Some funeral providers are now offering electric hearses, which not only reduce emissions but also reflect a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious approach. For families planning a funeral in advance, choosing a local green burial site or crematorium with lower emissions can make planning more sustainable.
Eco-Friendly Flowers and Memorials
Floral tributes are a traditional part of many funerals, but imported flowers, plastic wrappings and floral foam often come with environmental costs. Choosing locally grown, seasonal flowers arranged without foam or synthetic materials is a more sustainable choice. Some people now opt to skip flowers entirely, suggesting charitable donations, tree planting or natural tributes instead.
Memorials can also be tailored with the environment in mind. From benches made with reclaimed timber to tree-planting schemes in the name of the deceased, there are many ways to remember someone while contributing positively to nature. These types of memorials can feel more personal and lasting than conventional alternatives.
Funeral Directors Supporting Green Options
The rise of green funerals has led many funeral directors to offer environmentally friendly packages that reduce waste and emissions. From offering recycled paper for service sheets to sourcing sustainably made coffins and providing natural burial options, a growing number of professionals are helping families make choices that reflect their environmental values.
Some funeral homes are going a step further by adopting sustainable practices themselves, such as reducing energy use, minimising waste and engaging in local conservation efforts. When choosing a funeral provider, asking about their green credentials and available eco options can be a good place to start.
A Growing Interest in Sustainable Farewells
More people across the UK are now considering the legacy they leave behind, not just in the lives of others, but in the impact on the planet. As conversations around sustainability become more mainstream, the demand for eco-conscious funerals is increasing. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of how even the most personal and emotional decisions can align with broader environmental goals.
Planning a greener funeral doesn’t mean letting go of tradition or sentiment—it means making choices that honour a person’s life while respecting the world they’re leaving behind. For many families, it brings comfort to know their farewell has been conducted with thought, care and consideration for future generations.