Increasingly, families are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of a loved one’s funeral. Until recently, choosing an environmentally friendly funeral was unusual. Now, it’s increasingly mainstream, influenced by growing awareness of sustainability, simplicity, and cost.
Over 60% of families say they would be interested in exploring green funeral options. Many people want funeral arrangements that reflect the environmental values they held in life. Others simply wish to say goodbye while leaving a gentler footprint on the environment.
A green funeral minimises environmental impact while still providing a meaningful and dignified service. This can include natural burials, biodegradable coffins and avoiding embalming chemicals. Environmentally conscious memorial options, such as tree planting or wildflower meadows, are also available.
Sustainability is becoming a key priority when planning a funeral, along with cost transparency and personalisation.
What is a natural or woodland burial?
One of the most common eco-friendly funeral options is a natural or woodland burial. Unlike traditional cemeteries, natural burial grounds are designed to protect and preserve the surrounding landscape.
Graves are usually prepared without concrete liners. Biodegradable coffins made from materials such as wicker, bamboo, wool, cardboard or untreated wood are used. Instead of large headstones, memorials are often simple plaques, trees or natural markers.
Austin’s Family Funeral Directors has a beautifully peaceful natural burial park within the grounds of Harwood Park, just outside Stevenage.
Eco-friendly cremation options
Cremation is involved in 74% of funerals in the UK, with 21% of people opting for direct cremations and 53% choosing attended cremations. (SunLife report 2026). Cremation can be made more environmentally friendly by including simpler services, low-emission transport or biodegradable urns.
Average cost of a green funeral
Average UK funeral costs are:
- An average traditional burial costs around £5,400.
- An average cremation costs approximately £4,200.
- Many green funerals range between £1,500 and £4,000 depending on the choices made.
Natural burials are often considered one of the more affordable funeral options available. (Farra administrator research, 2026)
How Austin’s Funeral Directors can support eco-friendly funeral choices
The Austin’s team offers eco-friendly funeral options, providing families with greater choice and flexibility. Examples include:
- Providing biodegradable coffins and urns.
- Reducing unnecessary vehicle use.
- Advising on sustainable flowers and memorials.
- Working with natural burial sites, including exclusive access to our own Natural Burial Park.
Importantly, a green funeral does not mean compromising dignity or personal wishes. Religious, spiritual and traditional elements can still be fully incorporated into an environmentally conscious service.
Are you considering a green funeral?
Do you need to arrange someone’s funeral? Are you considering your own funeral wishes to share with loved ones or within a funeral plan? The Austin’s team is here to help.
We’ve been supporting Herts-based communities for over 300 years. We can offer advice and options about eco-friendly funerals and are happy to answer any questions you may have. You are welcome to contact the funeral office that’s most convenient for you – our funeral offices are based across Herts.
