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Table of Contents
Some cultures shy away from the uncomfortable topic of death, while others accept it more readily. No matter what category we fall into, this is still an important topic, and one that will affect all of us at some point.
One way that may help people find more peace with the concept, is to see it as an opportunity to make one last stand for our planet.
On this page we provide a listing of burial services and locations offering various types of eco-friendly burial and other alternatives. These include memorial forests, coral reefs made with human or pet ashes, aquamation or water burial (there are many names for this new method), cremation, and more.
Memorial Reefs International 🐠 "We cast undersea concrete structures called reef balls. We inter the cremated remains inside the structure, mount a custom marine-grade bronze plaque, and lower them to the seafloor."
"Your memorial will help restore a damaged reef ecosystem. The structure provides shelter for fish, and the textured surface attracts coral and other sea life."
Memorial Reefs International: Pet Reefs 🐠 + 🐕🐈"Memorial Reefs International is now offering Pet Reefs- a unique resting place for your companion animals. Pet Reefs are an ecological way to respectfully honor your precious pets.
Their living legacy begins with the addition of their cremated remains within a Memorial Reef, which is then placed in our Florida or New Jersey undersea memorial garden dedicated specifically for pets.
The surface of the memorial is textured to allow adhesion of coral polyps, while its hollow center shelters fish and other marine animals."
Symbols have been included to help make it easier to sort through this directory. The keys indicate some of the eco-friendly options offered by each location or service, but do not necessarily represent all options provided by each. Certain burials options or less-eco-friendly options haven't been included - for example standard tomb stones, boulder burials, water feature nor memorial walls.
🔥 Cremation
🦘 Bushland
🟩 Lawn Burial
🌺 Memorial Garden(s)
🌳 Memorial Tree Planting - This might include burial or ashes directly with the tree planted, or that a tree is planted at another location in honor of the deceased as a "carbon offset"
🐠 Reef Burial
🐕🐈 Pets - This may indicate pets-only services, or pet-inclusive
AVBOB: Aquamation Environmentally Friendly Funerals "Aquamation is a more sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation, and AVBOB is at the forefront of this green innovation in South Africa. With people and businesses becoming increasingly more aware and concerned about their impact on the environment, creative and out-of-the-box solutions are highly valued. At AVBOB, we have always had a commitment to sustainable natural resource management, which is why our introduction of aquamation in South Africa was a ground-breaking first for the country. This water-based alternative to flame cremation offers people the chance to say a tender goodbye to their loved ones in a way that is kinder to the planet. Our first facility in Cape Town, and then in Pretoria, brought about a significant change in the way we serve our valued clients for years to come."
Kaashi Mukthi: Green Funeral Services They offer cow dung logs for burning, or electric cremation, both of which are supposed to reduce air pollution.
St. George Church, Arthunkal "a Latin Catholic church in Alappuzha has decided that the custom is worth following. Realising the advantages of 'green' interments, it has opted for shroud burials while completely doing away with the age-old tradition of disposing of the dead in wooden coffins. ... As per the new custom, the body would be wrapped in a burial cloth made of cotton and placed in the grave."
Seagrassworld ⚰️ ⚱️ "We are a manufacture of Eco-friendly coffin manufacture in Indonesia. Our production based in Cirebon, Indonesia. We have been exporting our product to our customer in United Kingdom and United States of America. We are a family run business which focus on producing top quality eco-friendly coffins. We only used all natural materials. Founded on ethical and green principals, attention to detail and hand weaving craftsmanship."
Ke Kořenům "Od roku 2012 v České republice rozvíjíme principy přírodního pohřebnictví. Nabízíme přednášky, kurzy, workshopy a inspirace v oblasti přírodního pohřebnictví, vědomého přístupu ke smrti a rozloučení."
Agaave Arkkupeite "Yritys vuokraa ja myy arkkupeitteitä. Katso myös fb ja LinkedIn Arkkupeite."
Benu Tree "Valmistamme uurnat Suomessa käyttäen uusiutuvia luonnonmateriaaleja, kunnioittaen luontoa ja läheisiämme."
Suomen Luontohautausliitto "on voittoa tavoittelematon aatteellinen yhdistys. Luontohautausliiton arvopohja rakentuu vahvasti ekologisuuden ja luonnon kunnioittamisen periaatteille. Pyrimme toiminnallamme edistämään ympäristön hyvinvointia ja tarjoamaan vastuullisia ratkaisuja hautausperinteisiin." This organization is actively seeking suitable burial locations.
Memorial Reefs International 🐠 "We cast undersea concrete structures called reef balls. We inter the cremated remains inside the structure, mount a custom marine-grade bronze plaque, and lower them to the seafloor."
"Your memorial will help restore a damaged reef ecosystem. The structure provides shelter for fish, and the textured surface attracts coral and other sea life."
DEAD GOOD "was founded in 2018 by sisters Katy Vigurs and Lindsey Vigurs, and was inspired by Grayson Perry’s Rites of Passage TV show, which had an episode entitled ‘Death’. Grayson helped two families to tailor personal rituals to mark the deaths of loved ones. These included a living funeral with a memory jar for a terminally ill man, and a walking ceremony and DIY home shrine for a family whose young son had been killed. We were struck by the power of such bespoke, participative events to support families to grieve, remember and commemorate their loved ones. This work resonated deeply with us and continues to inspire DEAD GOOD’s mission."
The Natural Death Centre "If you are looking for help, support, advice or guidance planning a funeral, either for yourself or for someone close to you, the Natural Death Centre Charity is here for you." They offer a List of Natural Burial Grounds
Seagrassworld ⚰️ ⚱️ "We are a manufacture of Eco-friendly coffin manufacture in Indonesia. Our production based in Cirebon, Indonesia. We have been exporting our product to our customer in United Kingdom and United States of America. We are a family run business which focus on producing top quality eco-friendly coffins. We only used all natural materials. Founded on ethical and green principals, attention to detail and hand weaving craftsmanship."
Tributes ⚰️ ⚱️ offers wicker coffins
Green Burial Society of Canada: Certified Sites Directory "Setting the standard for green burial and environmentally sustainable death-care practices in Canada."
Manitoba
Hunter Funerals: Natural Burial "Although there are not yet any certified "green" cemeteries in Manitoba, we can help you to find a final resting place that has a minimal impact on the natural world. By forgoing invasive embalming procedures and selecting a fully biodegradable burial container, the most important factors of a green burial are already achieved."
The Memorial Woodland of Manitoba Inc. "is a charitable organization, registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. It has been created to facilitate an ambitious and creative “green” project. Namely, to develop and maintain a forest where the cremated remains of deceased individuals will be mingled with the root systems of new and existing trees, suitable for the Manitoba climate. The public will also be invited to plant trees in memory of individuals and The Woodland will also facilitate the optional placement of a small memorial marker to serve as a lasting legacy. You will be encouraged to plant your tree and watch it grow before you choose to “join” it when you are completed your earthly adventure. The tree can also serve as a communal resting place for two individuals (and/or an unlimited number of pets)."
Nova Scotia
Epilog "is a Nova Scotian company which aims to reimagine funeral services and end-of-life care with a full-service range of options from natural burial and celebrations of life, to services for seniors transitioning from their family home, or preparing for the next chapter in other ways. From organizing their move, to facilitating tough family discussions around advance directives, our team is here to provide personal service so people can tell their stories.
Our skilled team include women who are licensed funeral directors, end-of-life doulas, funeral Celebrants, senior move specialists, coaches, and more. We provide personal support to make necessary transitions, create a legacy, and have peace of mind. Epilog compassionately supports the practical, emotional, social, and spiritual facets of deathcare and life transitions."
Ontario
Natural burial grounds in Ontario "Two possibilities for Ontario: hybrids and dedicated sites"
Memorial Reefs International 🐠 "We cast undersea concrete structures called reef balls. We inter the cremated remains inside the structure, mount a custom marine-grade bronze plaque, and lower them to the seafloor."
"Your memorial will help restore a damaged reef ecosystem. The structure provides shelter for fish, and the textured surface attracts coral and other sea life."
Eternal Reefs 🐠 "non-profit organization, focused on enhancing the marine environment. Your contribution to build a memorial reef may be tax deductible. Please check with your tax advisor to determine eligibility." "An Eternal Reef combines a cremation urn, ash scattering and burial at sea into one meaningful, permanent environmental tribute to life. An Eternal Reef is a designed reef made of environmentally-safe cast concrete placed on the ocean floor as a permanent memorial of a life well lived."
Memorial Reefs International 🐠 "We cast undersea concrete structures called reef balls. We inter the cremated remains inside the structure, mount a custom marine-grade bronze plaque, and lower them to the seafloor."
"Your memorial will help restore a damaged reef ecosystem. The structure provides shelter for fish, and the textured surface attracts coral and other sea life."
Seagrassworld ⚰️ ⚱️ "We are a manufacture of Eco-friendly coffin manufacture in Indonesia. Our production based in Cirebon, Indonesia. We have been exporting our product to our customer in United Kingdom and United States of America. We are a family run business which focus on producing top quality eco-friendly coffins. We only used all natural materials. Founded on ethical and green principals, attention to detail and hand weaving craftsmanship."
Environmentally Friendly Cremations💧 Offers water cremation (aquamation) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
Heaven and Earth Eco Burials "we are passionate about green living and green dying. We are proud to develop products that reduce toxic, unsustainable and non-biodegradable products being interred in the earth.
Heaven & Earth is committed to providing funeral products that are green, ethical and beautiful."
ACT
Environmentally Friendly Cremations💧 Offers water cremation (aquamation) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
NSW
Environmentally Friendly Cremations💧 Offers water cremation (aquamation) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
Lismore Memorial Gardens & Crematorium 🟩 + 🔥 + 🌺 "owned and operated by the Lismore City Council, have been serving the Lismore district and surrounding communities since 1966.
The lawn cemetery, which is open to the public every day from 5am to 9pm, boasts well-tended, tranquil lawns and gardens, as well as a beautiful floral display.
The cemetery offers a range of services for burials, cremations, and memorialisation, and a friendly, caring staff is available to assist with the selection of memorials or provide information on the location of a particular grave or memorial."
Lismore Bushland Cemetery 🦘 "located in the Lismore Memorial Gardens, offers simple and informal funerals amid the natural beauty of the surrounding bushland.
This cemetery allows for both burials and the interment of ashes, and is dedicated to the conservation of local flora and fauna.
To ensure the long-term preservation of the site, a maintenance and rehabilitation program is in place.
Burials at the Bushland Cemetery are GPS marked and may be memorialized with a natural stone and plaque, a stone, or no marker at all.
Only biodegradable coffins made of materials such as plantation pine, recycled cardboard, or woven wicker are allowed in the cemetery.
More information about the Bushland Cemetery can be found in the downloadable brochure(PDF, 14MB)."
Sacred Earth Funerals 🦘 + 🔥 Provides eco-friendly natural burial services particularly in the Lismore area of New South Wales. "We are fortunate to have Australia’s first natural burial ground established in the Lismore Shire at the Bushland Cemetery, Goonellabah. This beautiful, nature environment of open sunny spaces interspersed by tall eucalyptus trees, provides the opportunity to lay your person to rest in a landscape that has minimal human impact.
The Far North Coast of NSW is a national forerunner in natural burial grounds with new sites under consideration for Byron and Tweed Shires."
Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens & Lawn Cemetery 🟩 + 🔥 + 🌺 "The cemetery is non-denominational, providing lawn burials and a traditional headstone area. There are also several memorial gardens for the interment of cremated remains and commemoration.
The grounds hold a modern architecturally designed chapel and function area, which are both available for services, as well as an administrative building and crematorium."
Sydney Kemps Creek Memorial Park 🟩 + 🦘 + 🔥 "Sydney’s first natural burial field is a serene location with rolling lawns and tranquil lake views surrounded by native bushland. The unspoilt nature, with abundance of birdlife, is fittingly named St Francis Field.
A natural burial is in harmony with nature, so the body (or cremated remains) is prepared without chemical preservatives and uses materials from natural fibres and a biodegradable coffin to return to the earth organically.
The habitat will be kept as natural as possible, there are no formal headstones or monuments nor artificial wreathes or tributes. Although graves remain unmarked, each grave is mapped and surveyed using GPS technology to accurately record locations."
Tasmania
Burnie Cemetery "natural burials can be permitted in any grave plot as long as it poses no risk to public health or safety. Currently, there is no specific area designated for natural burials within the cemetery. The location of a grave, unless specified in an exclusive right of burial, will be determined by the Council based on the layout and current use of the cemetery."
South Australia
Earth Direct Cremations 🔥 "Providing Funerals that are Compassionate, Affordable and Eco-friendly in
Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland"
Environmentally Friendly Cremations💧 Offers water cremation (aquamation) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
Queensland
Alberton Cemetery "is surrounded by cane fields and farming land. It is a physical reminder of rural cemeteries from centuries past. The cemetery has the Gold Coast region’s only natural burial area."
Earth Direct Cremations 🔥 "Providing Funerals that are Compassionate, Affordable and Eco-friendly in
Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland"
Eumundi Cemetery 🔥 + 🌳 + 🦘+ 🌺
Victoria
Donna Buang at Upper Yarra Public Cemetery 🦘+ 🔥
Environmentally Friendly Cremations💧 Offers water cremation (aquamation) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
Earth Direct Cremations 🔥 "Providing Funerals that are Compassionate, Affordable and Eco-friendly in
Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland"
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) 🌳 "offers natural burial options such as tree burial at Living Legacy Forest." "These natural memorials provide shelter and shade to cemetery visitors and are available in a wide range of tree species."
Green Haven Funerals 🦘+ 🔥 in Melbourne offers eco-friendly funeral services with biodegradable materials, natural burial grounds, and locally sourced organic catering to minimize environmental impact.
Healesville Cemetery 🔥 "Designed to blend in with the natural environment, Healesville Cemetery is positioned in a natural setting, complete with rugged beauty and mountain vistas. Opened in 1866, the rural cemetery formed part of GMCT in 2010 after having previously been a member of the original Lilydale Trust.
Healesville Cemetery accommodates burials and cremated remains memorials."
Kingston Funerals 🔥 Based in Melbourne, they offer natural burial services. "We offer several standard funeral options, including traditional burial services, cremation services, and memorial services, as well as more unique and personalised options."
Kurweeton Road Cemetery 🌳 "is kept in a natural state, there are no individual headstones or grave markers. Family and friends are provided with the exact location of the grave and are welcome to visit at any time.
Details of the deceased are recorded on a memorial wall at the cemetery’s entrance. Graves are secure in perpetuity.
For each person buried a tree is planted on nearby Mt. Elephant, which helps to offset carbon emissions."
Lilydale Memorial Park 🔥 + 🌳 + 🌺"Based in Melbourne's east, the grounds of Lilydale Memorial Park blend the Yarra Valley’s traditional native fauna and flora with curated garden areas, creating a natural and peaceful setting."
Mornington Green Legacy Gardens 🔥 + 🌳 + 🐕🐈"Offers tree burial services where cremated remains are used to nourish a tree, located on the Mornington Peninsula"
Western Australia
Fremantle Cemetery 🦘 + 🌺 "The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board has established a natural burial area at Fremantle Cemetery. With a natural burial, the body is returned to nature in a biodegradable coffin and materials made from natural fibres.
Natural burials at Fremantle Cemetery are located within an elevated grove that overlooks the cemetery’s splendid bush land gully. Bordered by traditional burial locations, this unique pocket of bushland will be progressively vegetated with natural plant species as plots are utilised."
Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park 🦘 "Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park is widely considered to be one of the most environmentally responsible cemeteries in Australia."
"The park, which received its first burial in 1978, has been developed and maintained as a natural bushland cemetery planted only with native species. No monuments are permitted but each grave is marked by a flat bronze plaque.
The natural environment of Pinnaroo provides a haven for many native animals including kangaroos. The grounds are a popular attraction for walks, jogging and picnics."
Wellington Dam Legacy Forest🌳 Located in Wellington National Park "Where you can create a living memorial amongst giant trees that grow over 40 metres tall and live for hundreds of years, for a loved one who has passed and create habitat for endangered Quokkas and Black Cockatoos." "Offers tree burials using native species like Jarrah, Marri, Blackbutt and Bull Banksia. And is part of a conservation project to rehabilitate 8 hectares of land"
Death Talk Cuenca "We offer a beautiful selection of environmentally conscious urns crafted from sustainable materials, allowing you to leave a lasting legacy that aligns with your eco-conscious values."
To find organizations focused on topics including legal reform of death-related laws, safety concerns, scientific study of burial and cremation options, as well as organizations that can provide education and support on the topics of burial and related practices, please see our Green Death Organizations page.
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."
Eternal Reefs: Scheduled Locations (Interactive)
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."
We all say goodbye in our own unique ways, both culturally and as individuals. Many of us adhere to certain ceremonies or customs in order to celebrate the life and impact of the deceased person.