Sustainable Funerals: Access, Impact, and Nuance

March 6, 2026

There’s no question that conversations around sustainable funerals and death care are growing - and that they are important.  Desmond Tutu chose water cremation for himself, and Martha Stweart wants a form of green burial or composting for herself. As with most things, sustainable deathcare exists on a spectrum. There is no “best” way to go as this decision largely depends on location, budgets, and preferences.


The environmental impacts of flame cremation are real. The benefits of alternatives like natural burial and natural organic reduction (terramation) are also real - and we greatly believe in the potential of regenerative options to positively reshape how we return to the earth. But accessibility is an important part of these conversations that often get left out. 

The Economic Reality

Market research shows that a majority of Americans express interest in greener end-of-life options. Yet when families are faced with making a decision, cost remains the number one determining factor.


Even at LifeSource, where we work intentionally to offer natural burial and terramation at some of the most accessible price points in Southern California, these options are still financially out of reach for many families.


Are fossil fuel subsidies part of what makes flame cremation appear comparatively inexpensive? Absolutely. Should we be satisfied with that imbalance? No. But it is not fair to frame sustainable deathcare as a simple moral choice. Because for many families, it is a financial one.

Finding Middle Ground

Sustainability conversations often get flattened into binaries; good versus bad, green versus harmful. But real life is more nuanced.


Are there ways to offset the environmental impacts of cremation? Yes.


Can cremated remains be returned to the earth responsibly? Also yes.


Can families plan ahead through multi-pay pre-need policies to make greener options more attainable over time? Absolutely.


Terramation remains one of the most regenerative options available. Providers like Return Home are demonstrating how this process can return nutrient-rich soil to families and restoration projects.



At the same time, cremation is not environmentally neutral, but it is not devoid of value either.

In agriculture, bone char and bone meal have been used for centuries as sources of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. When concentrated, cremated remains can harm plants. But when properly diluted, roughly three to four parts soil or compost to one part cremated remains, they can support established plant life. That nuance matters.

Regional Differences Matter Too

In states like Colorado, regulatory frameworks allow for more flexibility around the effluent from aquamation (also known as water cremation). In some cases, that nutrient-rich liquid can be used to support soil biology.


Here in Southern California, however, regulatory and logistical constraints make that level of reuse difficult and prohibitively expensive. What is possible in one region is not always feasible in another, and that means working within those realities while continuing to advocate for progress.

A Commitment to Community

For LifeSource, the goal is not to simply offer the most environmentally progressive options. It is to serve the entire community. If sustainable deathcare is only accessible to those with financial privilege, then we are not upholding our values. 


We can advocate for systemic change.
We can educate about environmental impacts.
We can expand access through pre-need planning.
And we can meet families where they are - without shame or oversimplification.


Sustainability is a spectrum, and progress often happens in increments.


At its heart, this work is about returning life to the earth in ways that honor both people and planet. It is also about honoring the lived realities of the families we serve.

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Green Burial and Natural Burial: Are There Differences?

November 4, 2026
If you’re learning about green burial and natural burial, you may wonder if there are any differences between these terms. In most contexts, they mean the same thing: returning the body to the earth using biodegradable materials, without conventional embalming or a burial vault. Both allow for a simple return to nature, allowing the body to become part of the living landscape once again. The language can become confusing because “Green Burial” is sometimes used broadly to describe other options such as terramation (aka human composting) and aquamation (aka water cremation) . When discussing eco-friendly options that do not involve burying a body, “Green Funerals” or “Green Death Care” are more accurate terms. What is Natural Burial Natural burial is the practice of allowing the body to decompose naturally in the earth. With minimal intervention, the body’s nutrients return to the earth through the work of naturally occurring decomposition. Though practices vary by cemetery, you’ll generally see natural and green burial outlined as: Avoiding conventional embalming or toxic preservation fluids. Forgoing vaults or concrete liners. Using caskets or shrouds made of renewable, natural, & biodegradable materials. Choosing simple natural markers that complement the landscape. The surrounding landscape may look different from a conventional cemetery, too. In some natural burial grounds, native grasses, wildflowers, and trees take the place of meticulously manicured lawns. A natural burial can take place in: An uncertified natural burial ground or cemetery. A Green Burial Council-certified cemetery. A hybrid cemetery- a conventional cemetery that allows natural burial in dedicated sections. Private property burial may also be an option in some locations, depending on state and local requirements. In California, in limited rural areas, a small private or family cemetery can be established through strict licensing and approvals. You can learn more about establishing a private cemetery here. Is Green Burial Different from Natural Burial? In most cases, no. Both terms describe a full-body burial that allows for natural decomposition in the earth. The use of the term “natural” emphasizes the process of returning to the earth with limited intervention, while “green” emphasizes environmental considerations. The priorities go hand in hand: simpler burial materials and fewer interventions allow for a more eco-friendly and direct return to the earth. The key distinction here is the word burial. Aquamation, Cremation, and Terramation are not forms of burial, but dispositions that reduce the body with an alkaline solution, fire, or natural decomposition. They transform the body in a controlled environment before returning the resulting remains to the earth. Cremation and aquamation produce remains from bones, commonly called “ashes”, while terramation produces “soil” or compost (you’ll also hear the term reduced remains- we cover this in this post about terramation terminology here ). Families may choose to bury or scatter these remains, but this is a separate step. With natural and green burial, the body’s transformation takes place within the earth. Green Burial and Green Death Care You’ll see that “green burial” is occasionally used interchangeably with “green death care”. However, green death care is an umbrella term for environmentally conscious funeral options, and green and natural burial fall underneath this umbrella. Aquamation and terramation are separate processes that can also fall within green death care. Think of green death care as a broad spectrum- caring for someone after death while considering the resources used, materials left behind, and the impact on the environment. Green death care can encompass both disposition choices and individual practices, including: Natural or green burial. Aquamation (water cremation). Terramation (human composting). Full-body burial at sea using appropriate biodegradable materials. Choosing simpler, biodegradable funeral products. Avoiding conventional embalming or choosing less toxic body-care options when preparation is desired. Reducing the environmental impact of conventional services through changes in materials, transportation, or energy use. Supporting carbon-offset projects. What Does Green Burial Certification Mean? The Green Burial Council has different certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes and products. Certification provides a framework for evaluating specific practices and helping families understand what a provider offers. For cemetery certification, cemeteries undergo an evaluation and are scored based on outlined criteria. It is important to note that the Green Burial Council does not conduct compliance checks after initial certification. Certification can help families find providers and compare their practices. However, Green Burial Council certification is voluntary and not required to arrange a natural burial. An uncertified cemetery may still allow a burial that follows natural burial practices. See a beautiful example of a Los Angeles’ family’s experience of natural burial here . LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. Her wishes were inspired by the simplicity of Jewish burial traditions and the meaning she found in returning directly to the earth. Her story illustrates how natural burial can reflect both personal beliefs and a connection to nature.  Considering Green or Natural Burial in Southern California? Whether you are planning ahead or caring for someone who has died, LifeSource can help you explore a return to the earth that reflects your values. Our team can explain natural burial arrangements, discuss available cemetery options, and help you understand each step. Exploring other paths? LifeSource offers the following dispositions: Terramation Aquamation Flame Cremation Burial at Sea Natural Burial (covered here)