Eco-Friendly Casket: Choosing a Sustainable Farewell

Introduction to Eco-Friendly Caskets

More options than ever are available to those looking to leave the Earth with as little environmental impact as possible. Eco-friendly caskets represent a core component of the green funeral movement, providing an alternative to traditional embalming and burial that are often resource-intensive and more environmentally impactful. By embracing eco-friendly caskets, individuals can ensure their final farewell aligns with a philosophy of sustainability and respect for the planet. But no matter your burial tradition, a natural, biodegradable casket might be the right choice for you or your person.

Types of Eco-Friendly Funeral Caskets

The variety of eco-friendly funeral caskets available today is a testament to the growing demand for green funeral planning. These caskets are designed with appearance, safety, and the environment in mind, utilizing natural materials that are biodegradable and sourced from sustainable practices. A good rule of thumb is to seek out a Green Burial Council certified casket. Some popular types include:

• Bamboo Caskets: Known for being made from fast-growing, renewable resources, bamboo caskets are both sturdy and environmentally friendly.
• Fiberboard Caskets: Lightweight and made from recycled or renewable materials and usually lined with natural cotton, cardboard caskets offer a simple, dignified option.
• Willow and Seagrass Caskets: These caskets, which are handwoven from natural, sustainably harvested fibers with a cotton liner and pillow, present an elegant and earth-friendly choice.
• Wooden Caskets: Crafted from sustainably sourced wood, these caskets avoid the use of toxic glues or finishes, ensuring a natural return to the earth.

Additionally, burial shrouds and carriers offer alternative ecological green burial options for those seeking a departure from the casket altogether.

Benefits of Choosing an Eco-Friendly Casket

Opting for an eco-friendly casket comes with several environmental benefits. These caskets are designed to decompose naturally, reducing the carbon footprint of traditional burials. By avoiding chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, they ensure that the final resting place is as unpolluted as possible, contributing to the conservation of natural habitats.

Moreover, a green casket is constructed with sustainably grown and harvested materials. As an example, some species of bamboo can grow almost 3ft per day[1] making bamboo–much like cultivated seagrass and replenishable willow–very sustainable options. These green caskets and their raw materials are lighter to transport than traditional casket materials which means less fuel is needed for shipping. This is also true for concrete or metal outer burial containers and vaults which can regularly weigh 1300-3000 pounds.[2]

Design and Personalization Options for Eco-Friendly Caskets

Choosing an ecological burial option does not mean sacrificing personalization or design. Many green caskets offer various options for design and shape allowing families to find the casket that is right for their customs or traditions. There are also infinite options for adding natural decoration, allowing families to honor their person in a manner that reflects their personality and values.

As an example, one family served by Interra had an evergreen tree fall in their yard the same day their person passed away. So they chose to place branch cuttings from that tree and place them around his body. It was a beautiful tribute and way for him to take a natural piece of home with him. Families can also include personal notes on paper, bouquets of wildflowers or herbs, or any biodegradable decoration that feels right for them. From the selection of natural, biodegradable materials to the incorporation of decorations, ecofriendly caskets can be as unique as the individuals they commemorate.

Planning a Funeral with an Eco-Friendly Casket

Planning a funeral with an eco-friendly casket at its center requires consideration of several factors, including local natural burial laws and the availability of green funeral services. Some funeral homes now offer options for green funerals, facilitating the process for families wishing to arrange a sustainable farewell. But families will want to make sure the funeral home they choose is certified by an established third party environmental organization. Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is certified by the national Green Burial Council, Sustainable Stillwater, and has been awarded the National Funeral Directors’ Association’s Green Funeral Practices Award.

Incorporating eco-friendly practices into green funeral planning provides an opportunity to not only honor the person's environmental beliefs, but also the very natural process of dying. Natural burial allows someone to safely return to the Earth with as little intervention as possible.

Willow and Seagrass Casket from Passages International       |      Natural Pine Casket        |      4-Point Bamboo Casket from Passages International         |     Fiberboard Casket from Starmark