Earth-Friendly End-of-Life Choices

Consider a green goodbye & leave a legacy - not a footprint!

1. Opt for a green burial

   A green burial entails that there won’t be any use of toxic embalming fluids, non-biodegradable caskets, or concrete vaults. By opting instead for natural decomposition in biodegradable caskets, you can minimize the environmental impact of death.

   
   

   Arizona has multiple green burial options, including but not limited to:

   • Marana Mortuary & Cemetery - Marana, AZ

   • Sunwest Funeral Home - El Mirage, AZ

   • Bisbee Memory Gardens - Bisbee, AZ

     
     

2. Consider Terramation

   Terramation, also referred to as Natural Organic Reduction or human-composting, is a process that gently transforms human remains to fertile soil in roughly 2-3 months. This process is the most environmentally beneficial body disposition, as it minimizes waste, provides nutrients to the soil, and allows the body to decompose naturally using only oxygen and organic materials. 

   
   

   Organ donation can still be an option with terramation for those who want to preserve their ability to help others while also helping the environment. 

   
   

3. Consider a non-traditional headstone

   Utilize vegetation, flowers, and trees as a grave marker instead of a man-made gravestone. The goal is to have as little impact on the environment as possible while maintaining the environmental integrity of the habitat. According to the Green Burial Council, natural burial sites must limit the use of grave markers in order to maintain their green certification. 

   
   

4. Have a low-impact funeral procession

   Instead of a traditional funeral procession with a fleet of vehicles contributing to carbon emissions, have funeral-goers carpool or even organize a walking funeral procession. 

   
   

5. Have a home funeral

   Having a home funeral means keeping and caring for the deceased at home instead of immediately having the body picked up by a funeral home. This is a safe and legal choice available to anyone. Home funerals give family members a more personalized and intimate experience, allowing loved ones more time to say goodbye. This choice also has environmental benefits, as home funerals often avoid embalming and non-biodegradable caskets/shrouds.

   
   

   Backyard burial is also an option for some, depending on the state you live in and the zoning laws in your city. In Arizona, there are currently no laws that prohibit burial on private property, however, before burial begins, the grave site must be filed with the county recorder’s office. 

   
   

6. Choose an eco-friendly burial shroud

   Opt for an outfit or shroud made from natural, biodegradable fabrics like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton. This ensures you won’t be leaving any harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable materials behind. Choosing less fabric and avoiding metal or plastic zippers and buttons is just one of many ways to guarantee a minimal environmental impact after-death.

   
   

7. Keep your casket simple

   If only traditional cemeteries are available in your area, you can still opt for an unvarnished, unlined wooden casket, which will naturally decompose, reducing environmental impact.