The impact of ecology on modern funeral practices

Why ecology is transforming the funeral sector

Environmental awareness now touches all aspects of our lives, including the way we accompany our deceased. More and more families are seeking sustainable solutions to organise ecological funerals.

The figures speak for themselves: a traditional cremation emits approximately 400 kg of CO2, whilst a conventional burial requires chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. New generations, sensitised to climate issues, want funerals consistent with their values.

This transformation reflects a profound change in our relationship with death. Green burial is no longer marginal, but is becoming a respected and sought-after option. To understand this evolution in a broader context, consult our article on the evolution of funeral rites.

The environmental impact of traditional funerals

Conventional funeral practices generate a significant carbon footprint, often unknown to families. Understanding these impacts allows for informed choices.

A solid wood coffin requires the felling of mature trees. The varnishes and treatments applied contain toxic substances that persist in the soil for decades. Concrete vaults require energy-intensive production and occupy space permanently.

The maintenance of traditional cemeteries also consumes significant resources: water for irrigation, pesticides for lawns, fuel for maintenance. These cumulative elements create a substantial environmental impact, rarely mentioned when organising funerals.

Cremation emissions

Cremation, often perceived as a modern alternative, presents its own ecological impact. A standard cremation process lasts between 90 and 120 minutes and consumes the energy equivalent of two tanks of petrol.

Emissions include CO2, but also mercury (from dental amalgams), dioxins and other atmospheric pollutants. Traditional crematoriums operate at temperatures of 800 to 1000°C, requiring intensive combustion of natural gas.

In Switzerland, where the cremation rate exceeds 85%, these emissions represent a significant environmental issue. Cleaner technologies are emerging, but remain uncommon in existing facilities.

Embalming chemicals

Embalming primarily uses formaldehyde, a powerful preservative classified as a probable carcinogen. This chemical infiltrates soils and can contaminate groundwater for years.

An embalmed body contains on average 2 to 4 litres of these substances. In a traditional cemetery, these products gradually diffuse into the environment, affecting local biodiversity and soil quality.

The persistence of these substances in the environment can reach several decades. Other compounds such as methanol and ethanol often accompany formaldehyde, increasing the overall toxic impact. Fortunately, embalming is not mandatory in Switzerland, except in particular circumstances.

Ecological funeral practices available today

Families today have numerous alternatives to organise ecological funerals respectful of their environmental values. These solutions combine dignity and funeral sustainability.

Natural burial allows a direct return to the earth, without chemicals or polluting materials. Biodegradable coffins and urns offer complete decomposition in a few months. Forest cemeteries integrate burials into preserved natural spaces.

Innovative technologies such as aquamation, already authorised in certain European countries, drastically reduce emissions compared to traditional cremation. For a complete guide on these options, consult our article on ecological burial.

Natural burial and forest cemeteries

Natural burial is based on a simple principle: allowing the body to decompose naturally, without chemical intervention. The deceased rests in a biodegradable coffin or a shroud made of natural fibres.

Forest cemeteries, such as those existing in German-speaking Switzerland, integrate burials into existing forests. A tree marks the location, creating a living memorial. These spaces require no artificial maintenance and preserve local biodiversity.

Regulations vary according to Swiss cantons. Some authorise burial without a coffin, others impose a minimum biodegradable container. It is essential to check local rules before planning this type of funeral.

Biodegradable coffins and urns

Ecological materials today offer aesthetic and environmentally friendly alternatives. Reinforced cardboard, wicker, bamboo or even mycelium (mushroom) allow complete decomposition in 6 to 24 months.

These coffins present sufficient strength for transport and ceremony, whilst decomposing naturally once buried. Their manufacture also generates fewer emissions than treated wood or metal coffins.

In Switzerland, more and more funeral directors offer these options. Costs are often comparable, or even lower, than traditional coffins. Personalisation remains possible with natural paints or plant decorations.

Alternatives to traditional cremation

Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, uses water and an alkaline solution to accelerate natural decomposition. This process consumes 90% less energy than cremation and generates no direct atmospheric emissions.

The technique operates at low temperature (150°C versus 800-1000°C) and lasts approximately 4 hours. The result is similar to cremation: white ashes that the family can keep or scatter.

Although aquamation is legal in several European countries and in the United States, its status in Switzerland remains evolving. Human composting, authorised in certain American states, is not yet available in Europe but represents a future avenue for responsible practices.

Green innovations shaping the future

The funeral sector is constantly innovating to reduce its environmental impact. Start-ups are developing urns containing tree seeds, literally transforming the deceased into a living commemorative tree.

Funeral reefs immerse ashes in ecological concrete structures that promote marine biodiversity. Plant-based inks are progressively replacing chemical inks for announcements and obituaries. Funeral textiles made from untreated natural fibres are becoming widespread.

Advanced filtration technologies allow crematoriums to drastically reduce their polluting emissions. These green innovations are progressively transforming the entire sector. To discover other emerging trends, consult our article on the future of funerals.

The benefits of an ecological approach

Choosing ecological funerals goes beyond simply reducing the carbon footprint. This approach allows honouring the memory of the deceased in coherence with their life values.

The symbolism of returning to the earth resonates deeply with many families. The natural cycle of life and death regains its original meaning, without artifice or chemicals. This approach often brings peace to loved ones.

On a practical level, ecological options frequently simplify procedures and reduce costs. A biodegradable coffin generally costs less than a varnished solid wood model. The absence of embalming avoids additional costs. These savings allow more resources to be allocated to the ceremony or family support.

How to organise ecological funerals in Switzerland

Organising ecological funerals in Switzerland requires adapted preparation. Regulations vary according to cantons, some being more open to alternative practices than others.

The first step consists of identifying funeral directors offering sustainable options. Not all have the expertise or necessary partnerships for ecological solutions. Asking the right questions from the first contact saves time.

The funeral directors' directory on Wolky facilitates this search by grouping service providers by region. Anticipating these choices, ideally during one's lifetime, prevents loved ones from making decisions in emotional urgency. For a detailed guide, consult our article on preparing ecological funerals.

Finding committed service providers

Identifying a funeral director genuinely committed to responsible practices requires asking precise questions. Do they offer biodegradable coffins? Do they work with natural cemeteries? Can they organise a ceremony without chemicals?

Certain labels and certifications are beginning to emerge in Europe, although they remain rare in Switzerland. The service provider's transparency about their practices and suppliers constitutes a good indicator of their genuine commitment.

The Wolky directory groups funeral directors by canton and allows easy comparison of services offered. Contacting several service providers allows evaluation of their expertise in ecological options and choosing the one that best corresponds to your values.

Anticipating and expressing one's wishes

Communicating one's ecological wishes to one's family avoids misunderstandings and facilitates future organisation. A written document, even informal, specifying your preferences (type of burial, desired materials, location) effectively guides your loved ones.

Preparing one's funeral in advance allows serene comparison of options and costs. Some people even choose to pre-finance their funerals to relieve their family of this emotional and financial burden.

Wolky facilitates this communication by allowing publication of an obituary that reflects the deceased's values. Families can mention the ecological nature of the funeral, thus informing the entourage of the choices made. Publishing an obituary on Wolky costs 180 CHF, accessible 24/7.

Ecology is profoundly transforming the funeral sector. Traditional funerals generate significant emissions, consume non-renewable resources and use harmful chemicals. Faced with this observation, ecological alternatives are multiplying: natural burial, biodegradable coffins, forest cemeteries and new low-impact cremation methods.

These environmentally respectful practices sacrifice neither dignity nor contemplation. On the contrary, they offer an authentic way to honour the memory of a loved one whilst preserving the planet for future generations. In Switzerland, several service providers now offer these sustainable solutions.

Whether you wish to prepare your own funeral or organise that of a loved one, discover how to plan ecological funerals consistent with your values. And to inform your entourage of your wishes, publish an obituary on Wolky accessible to all, 24 hours a day.