How your final disposition can be a gift to the Earth
"Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature." — Thich Nhat Hanh
Every word, gesture, and decision we make ripples far beyond our comprehension, shaping the world we leave behind. This profound truth extends even to our final moments—and to the choice of what happens to our bodies after we die.
Most of us don't think about the environmental impact of our death care choices. But the decisions we make about our final disposition carry significant consequences for the planet we leave behind.
The Hidden Environmental Cost of Traditional Death Care
Traditional flame cremation, while increasingly common, releases approximately 500 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere per body. Conventional burial, with its embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults, also takes a toll on the environment.
But there are alternatives—beautiful, meaningful alternatives that honor both your body and the Earth.
Sustainable Options That Make a Difference
By choosing terramation (human composting), aquamation (water cremation), or green burial instead of flame cremation, you can prevent the release of ~500 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere and sequester an additional 1,000 pounds of carbon.
That total impact is equivalent to offsetting the emissions from driving approximately 1,500 miles—roughly the distance from Boulder, Colorado, to Atlanta, Georgia.
Imagine: your death becoming a gift to the Earth. Your body nourishing soil, sequestering carbon, giving back to the planet that sustained you throughout your life.
This is not just an environmental choice. It's a sacred act. A legacy of healing.
Your Sustainable After-Death Care Options
Here are the most environmentally friendly options available, along with information and approximate costs:
Terramation (Human Composting)
Also called natural organic reduction, this process transforms your body into nutrient-rich soil over the course of several weeks. The soil can then be used to nourish gardens, forests, or conservation land.
Where:
- Recompose (Washington, Colorado, California, Oregon, Nevada)
- Earth Funeral (California)
- The Natural Funeral (Colorado)
Aquamation (Water Cremation)
Also called alkaline hydrolysis or flameless cremation, this process uses water and alkali to gently break down the body, leaving only bone fragments (which are returned to family as "ashes"). It uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and emits no greenhouse gases.
Where:
Green Burial
A green burial returns your body to the earth in a biodegradable shroud or casket, with no embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, or metal caskets. Your body nourishes the soil naturally.
Where:
- Guide to Green Burial in California
- Fernwood Green Cemetery (San Francisco Bay Area)
- The Natural Funeral (Colorado)
Full Body Burial at Sea
For those who love the ocean, full body burial at sea is a legal and meaningful option. Your body is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and returned to the ocean in designated waters.
Where:
Your Legacy, Your Choice
Death is inevitable. But how we return to the Earth is a choice—one that carries meaning, beauty, and consequence.
When you choose sustainable after-death care, you're not just making a personal decision. You're making a statement about what matters to you. You're leaving a legacy of care for the planet and for future generations.
Take a moment today to consider what feels right for you. Talk to your loved ones about your wishes. Include your after-death care preferences in your estate planning documents.
Together, we can leave a legacy of healing for our Earth.
Need Help Documenting Your Wishes?
As part of comprehensive estate planning and death wisdom guidance, I help clients clarify and legally document their after-death care preferences—whether you choose green burial, terramation, aquamation, or another path.
If you'd like support in making these decisions and ensuring your wishes are honored, I'd be honored to help.