Eco-Friendly Farewells: 6 Green Burial Options That Honor the Earth and Your Legacy

At Flagstaff Law Group, we often say that planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones—and that includes planning for what happens after you’re gone. While it may feel strange to think about your own funeral, choosing a green burial isn’t just a personal decision—it’s an act of care for your family and for the planet.

In Arizona, where the natural landscape means so much to so many of us, more people are asking: How can my final wishes reflect my values? If you’ve ever felt drawn to sustainability, simplicity, or the idea of leaving behind something meaningful, this guide is for you.

Green funerals offer a way to return to the earth gently—without the chemicals, concrete, and carbon emissions of traditional burial or cremation.

Below are six eco-conscious ways to leave a legacy of love, protection, and environmental stewardship.

1. Green Burial (Natural Burial)

Natural burial is exactly what it sounds like—returning your body to the earth without embalming fluid, concrete vaults, or fancy metal caskets.

To qualify as a true “green burial” under the standards of the Green Burial Council, your body must:

• Skip embalming, which uses toxic chemicals like formaldehyde.

• Be buried without a cement vault or metal liner.

• Use only biodegradable materials like a simple pine casket or cotton shroud.

  
  

Graves are often marked with a native tree, stone, or even GPS coordinates—no marble mausoleums here. Some Arizona green cemeteries also focus on preserving wildland and use native plantings instead of manicured lawns and pesticides.

2. Aquamation (Water Cremation)

Also known as resomation or flameless cremation, aquamation uses water, not fire, to break down the body. Here’s how it works:

• Your body is placed in a stainless steel vessel.

• A combination of water, heat, and a small amount of alkaline solution dissolves the soft tissue.

• What remains is clean, powdered bone—similar to ashes from flame cremation.

Unlike traditional cremation, which can emit over 500 pounds of CO₂ per person, aquamation has 90% lower carbon emissions and uses far less energy. It’s gentle, respectful, and easy on the planet.

And yes—it’s legal in Arizona (as of 2023). The first licensed provider opened in recent years and is helping more families opt for this modern, earth-friendly option.

3. Mushroom Burial Suit

What if your body could detox the earth instead of polluting it? That’s the idea behind the Infinity Burial Suit—a sleek, organic cotton garment laced with mushroom spores.

These fungi:

• Break down the body naturally

• Neutralize toxins

• Enrich the soil

Think of it as compost couture. While still a newer concept, mushroom suits are growing in popularity with clients looking for a minimalist and meaningful option—especially those who don’t love the idea of a traditional casket.

4. Eternal Reefs: Become Part of the Sea

If you’ve always felt at peace by the ocean, Eternal Reefs offers a poetic way to give back. Here’s how it works:

• Your ashes are mixed with environmentally safe concrete to form a “reef ball.”

• That ball is placed in ocean waters to support marine life—think coral, fish, and underwater ecosystems.

• Your loved ones can even participate in the reef creation and attend the dedication.

Current Locations: While not yet available in landlocked Arizona, reef placements are offered in Florida, Texas, and other coastal states—making it a powerful memorial destination for out-of-state ceremonies.

5. Tree Burial: A Living Legacy

Want to become a tree? Yes, really. Tree burial involves wrapping the body in a biodegradable shroud, placing it in a shallow grave filled with soil, fungi, and wood chips, then planting a young tree right above.

As your body returns to the earth, it nourishes the tree, creating a living, breathing memorial. Companies like Transcend are pioneering “memorial forests” across the country—spaces where loved ones can walk, remember, and feel deeply connected to you through nature.

6. Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)

The most science-forward option on our list, human composting transforms your body into rich soil in about 30–45 days.

• The body is placed in a steel vessel filled with wood chips, alfalfa, and straw.

• Natural microbes and controlled heat do the rest.

• The result? About a cubic yard of soil that can nourish conservation lands or be returned to your family for home planting.

Currently, human composting is legal in a growing number of states, including Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, and Georgia. So if it’s important to you, your estate plan can include arrangements for these services.

Planning for a Greener Goodbye Starts Now

Choosing a green funeral isn’t just about eco-values. It’s also about easing the burden on your family and ensuring your wishes are crystal clear. Here’s how we help:

We Include It in Your Estate Plan

At Flagstaff Law Group, we help clients incorporate final wishes directly into their plan documents. That way:

• Funds are available immediately—no probate delays.

• Your instructions are legally binding, so your preferences are followed to the letter.

• Your loved ones don’t have to guess—or second-guess—what you would have wanted.

We Help You Budget for It

Green burials can sometimes be less expensive than traditional funerals, but costs can still vary. We guide you through planning and funding so your family doesn’t have to worry about the details—or the price tag—when the time comes.

A Greener Legacy, a Softer Goodbye

Planning ahead doesn’t have to be heavy or morbid. In fact, when we reframe it as an act of love—for your family and for the planet—it becomes something deeply empowering.

So whether you want to become a tree, feed the fish, or simply return to the Arizona soil, we’re here to help you make it happen with clarity, care, and purpose.

You’re not alone in this. Let’s make it easy.

Ready to include your eco-friendly wishes in your estate plan?

Schedule a free 15 min discovery call with our team! 

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This article is for educational purposes only and is not specific legal advice.  There is no substitute for consulting with an attorney about your specific circumstances.