What is a green funeral?

What is a green burial ground and what kinds of funerals are held there? Let's find out more.

Green burials, also known as "eco burials" or "eco-friendly burials", are burials that aim to minimise the impacts of the burial on the environment.


This is in contrast with traditional burials, which employ some environmentally unfriendly practices. Green burials use 100% natural, biodegradable materials for shrouds and coffins and don't use embalming chemicals.



They can take place in designated green burial grounds. This might be in a woodland or meadow. They can also take place in a private garden or on private land. They're also offered by some private cemeteries and crematoriums.

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What is a green funeral?

Green funerals put sustainability first. They avoid hygienic treatment chemicals and opt for biodegradable shrouds, coffins and urns.


These are made from 100% natural, recyclable materials such as bamboo, banana leaves, recycled cardboard or wicker.



Green burials tend to take place in natural settings rather than a traditional cemetery or place of worship.

The service itself will also be more environmentally friendly than traditional alternatives. A green burial service might use recycled paper for the funeral programmes, minimise fuel emissions by holding the funeral at home or choose eco-friendly floral arrangements.

What is a green burial ground?

A green burial ground is a place designated for bodies to be buried and decompose naturally without embalming chemicals or non-biodegradable materials. They're different from private cemeteries or places of worship that offer green burials.



A green burial ground could be in a woodland or meadow. They usually don't use permanent headstones or memorials. The aim is for the burial site to blend into the landscape and provide a place of peace, reflection and natural beauty for loved ones to visit.

How much do green burials cost?

There are many factors affecting the cost of a green burial. These include:



  • The location of the burial
  • The coffin and shroud
  • The funeral director
  • Transportation
  • Grave digging and interment

Depending on your requirements, you may also need to pay for a memorial tree and venue hire.

When planning an eco burial, your best bet is to contact a funeral director, talk through your needs and get a quote.

Green burial FAQs

  • What is a green funeral?

    A green funeral is a funeral that puts sustainability first. It avoids embalming chemicals, uses natural and recyclable materials for the coffin or shroud and can incorporate sustainable practices into the service.

  • Where are green burial sites?

    According to the Natural Death Centre, there are over 270 natural burial sites in the UK. "Some," it says, "are privately owned and run by the landowners and their families, or by staff they have employed. Some are owned by large corporate companies or are run in partnership between the landowner and a larger 'umbrella' organisation."

  • Can Catholics have a green burial?

    Yes, Catholics are allowed to have green burials. They're an increasingly popular choice for Catholics across the world.

  • What is an eco-coffin?

    There's no precise definition of an eco-coffin. However, the term is used to refer to a coffin made in a way that minimises its effects on the environment. They tend to be made from 100% natural, recyclable materials. These can include bamboo, banana leaf, willow, pine and cardboard.


  • Is traditional burial environmentally friendly?

    Traditional burial has a negative impact on the environment. This is because of the land it uses, the use of embalming fluids and the process of decomposition. These contribute to land damage, groundwater pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Can you have a headstone at an eco burial?

    Permanent markers are usually not used on green burial sites. You can, however, sometimes get a wooden memorial post or a simple plaque.


  • Are green burials legal in the UK?

    Yes, green burials are legal in the UK. There are, however, guidelines that need to be followed to ensure the burial is environmentally friendly.

  • Can I have an eco burial if I want to be cremated?

    Yes, cremated remains can be buried in a green funeral. It's worth noting, however, that cremation produces a significant amount of greenhouse gases. This may make it a less attractive option if you want your burial to be eco-friendly.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At AFD, we can help you arrange a green burial. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Contact us via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.