As more people seek environmentally conscious and meaningful end-of-life choices, they're discovering there is more than one way to return to nature.
For generations, conventional burial and flame cremation have been the most familiar options after death. Today, growing environmental awareness and a desire for more personal, meaningful rituals are encouraging many families to explore gentler alternatives.
The question is no longer simply, "What happens after we die?"
It's also:
"How do I want my final farewell to reflect the life I've lived?"
Green Burial
Green burial is one of the fastest-growing alternatives to conventional burial.
Without embalming chemicals, concrete burial vaults, or non-biodegradable caskets, it allows the body to return naturally to the earth. Most green burials use either a biodegradable burial shroud or a simple wooden casket made from natural materials.
Many families are drawn to its simplicity, sustainability, and quiet beauty.
Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting)
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), also known as human composting or terramation, gently transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil through a carefully managed natural process.
Using organic materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw, the body naturally decomposes over several weeks in a controlled environment. The resulting soil can then be returned to the family or used to help restore natural landscapes, depending on local regulations.
Although not yet available everywhere, NOR is gaining recognition as one of the most environmentally conscious forms of body disposition.
Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
Alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes called water cremation, uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural process of decomposition.
Compared with traditional flame cremation, it generally uses less energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Availability varies depending on provincial, state, and local regulations.
Burial at Sea
For those who feel a deep connection to the ocean, burial at sea can be a meaningful alternative.
Depending on local laws, this may involve the burial of a body in a biodegradable shroud or casket in approved offshore waters, or the scattering of cremated remains at sea.
For many people, the sea becomes a place of remembrance—symbolizing freedom, continuity, and our enduring connection to the natural world.
Home Funerals
A home funeral is not a form of body disposition itself, but rather a way for families to care for their loved one before burial or cremation.
Many families find comfort in spending time together at home, washing and dressing the body, sharing memories, and saying goodbye in familiar surroundings.
Burial Shrouds
A biodegradable burial shroud offers a simple, beautiful alternative to a traditional casket for green burial and may also be used for cremation, depending on the policies of the crematorium.
Made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, or wool, a burial shroud becomes the final garment—a quiet expression of love, dignity, and respect.
For many families, choosing a shroud transforms a practical necessity into one final act of care.
Can You Use a Burial Shroud for Cremation?
Conservation Burial
Some green burial grounds are also conservation cemeteries, where burial fees help protect forests, meadows, wetlands, and other ecologically significant landscapes.
In these places, choosing green burial not only honours the life of a loved one but also contributes to the long-term protection of the natural environment.
Every Farewell Is Personal
There is no single "right" choice.
Some people are drawn to green burial beneath the trees.
Others feel most at peace returning to the ocean.
Some choose Natural Organic Reduction, while others prefer water cremation or a simple cremation accompanied by a beautiful burial shroud.
The most meaningful farewell is the one that reflects the person's values, beliefs, and life.
Planning ahead allows those choices to be made thoughtfully—and gives the people you love the confidence to honour them.
Continue Your Journey
If you're exploring natural end-of-life options, my complimentary guide can help you understand them with confidence.
Rest in Beauty includes:
- What green burial is
- How to plan ahead
- Talking with the people you love
- Choosing the right providers