Traditional funerals have a significant environmental footprint. A standard burial uses embalming chemicals, a hardwood or steel coffin, and a concrete vault. A conventional cremation requires around two to three hours of gas combustion and releases carbon dioxide and other emissions. For families where environmental values mattered to the person who died, or where they matter to those left behind, there are now genuine alternatives available in Australia.
Natural burial
Natural burial is the practice of burying a person without embalming, in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, at a depth that allows the body to decompose naturally into the soil. There are no headstones in most natural burial grounds. Instead, a GPS-recorded location and sometimes a native tree or plant marks the site.
The ecological aim is for the body to return to the earth with minimal interference. No concrete vault is used, and no chemicals that might disrupt the soil ecosystem.
Natural burial grounds in Australia include Green Endings and the Australian Natural Burial Park in Canberra, as well as sections of some council cemeteries. Availability varies significantly by state. Not all funeral directors are familiar with the requirements, so it is worth confirming early that yours has experience with natural burials.
Coffins made from wicker, bamboo, cardboard, untreated pine, or wool are all considered biodegradable. A simple shroud is also acceptable at most natural burial grounds. The key is that no materials delay decomposition. Embalming is not permitted at natural burial sites.
Biodegradable coffins and shrouds
Even in a standard cemetery, you can choose a more sustainable coffin. Cardboard coffins are structurally sound and cost considerably less than traditional options. Wicker and bamboo coffins are available through specialist suppliers. Wool-felt shrouds are another option for families who want simplicity.
These choices reduce the environmental impact of a conventional burial without requiring a dedicated natural burial ground. Ask your funeral director what biodegradable options they can source, and whether there are any cemetery restrictions in your area.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is not marketed as an eco-friendly option, but it is one of the lowest-cost and lower-impact choices available. There is no viewing, no embalming, and no elaborate ceremony before the cremation. Families typically hold a memorial service separately, at a time and place that suits them.
The environmental footprint of cremation is still significant, but direct cremation avoids the additional resources involved in a full funeral service. See our guide to direct cremation in Australia for more detail.
Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis)
Aquamation, also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to break down the body over several hours. The result is a similar outcome to flame cremation, but with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Aquamation produces around one tenth of the greenhouse gas emissions of conventional cremation and uses no fossil fuel combustion.
Aquamation is available in some Australian states. It was legalised in Queensland in 2021, and in Victoria in 2022. Other states are at various stages of legislation. If this is something you are considering, ask a funeral director whether it is currently available in your state and which providers offer it.
Reef memorial and scattering at sea
For families who choose cremation, there are several environmentally considered options for the ashes. Reef memorials involve mixing cremated remains with a reef-safe compound that forms an artificial reef structure, providing habitat for marine life. Several providers operate in Australian coastal waters.
Ashes can also be scattered at sea under a permit from the relevant state authority, or in many other natural settings. For more on what is legally permitted in Australia, see our guide to what to do with ashes in Australia.
Green funeral directors
Not every funeral director has experience with eco-friendly options. When comparing providers, ask specifically about:
- Their biodegradable coffin range and suppliers
- Whether they offer or can arrange natural burial
- Their experience with aquamation if it is available in your state
- Whether they use embalming as standard, and whether it can be declined
- Whether they work with natural burial grounds in your area
Our guide to choosing a funeral director in Australia has more on what to ask and what to look for.
Planning ahead for a green funeral
If environmental choices matter to you, the clearest thing you can do is write them down. A letter of wishes, a note in your Will, or a conversation with the people who will be making decisions means your preferences are known and can be acted on.
Specific green options often require more lead time than a conventional funeral. A natural burial ground may have a waiting list, or a particular coffin supplier may need several days' notice. Recording your wishes now makes those arrangements much easier for the people you leave behind.
Record what matters to you.
Remember Well• lets you record your wishes for the farewell you want — including environmental preferences — so the people you love never have to guess.
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