Biodegradable Urns and Coffins: Green Burial Options

With growing awareness of environmental sustainability, more people are choosing burial methods that reflect their values and care for the planet. Green burial options — such as the use of biodegradable urns and coffins — provide a meaningful and earth-friendly way to say goodbye to a loved one while preserving and keeping Australia’s natural environment in mind.  

Why Choose a Green Burial? 

A green burial provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials by using sustainable materials and eliminating practices that could harm the environment. Focusing on natural decomposition, it avoids chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, contributing to the preservation of the planet for future generations. 

What are Biodegradable Urns and Coffins? 

One of the easiest eco-conscious burial options is opting for a biodegradable urn or coffin. Designed to have minimal environmental impact, they are similar to traditional options in size, shape, and function, with the key difference being their environmentally conscious materials. 

They are typically just as cost-effective, and in many cases, more affordable — while still offering a visually appealing alternative to more traditional types.  

What is a biodegradable urn made from? 

Biodegradable urns are made from various materials that decompose naturally in the environment, leaving no lasting carbon footprint. 

Here are some common biodegradable materials:

• Bamboo 

• Recycled Paper 

• Plant materials  

• Salt 

• Sand 

• Shells  

• Natural clay  

A biodegradable urn typically breaks down within a few weeks to a few years, depending on the material and environment, while traditional urns made from metal, ceramic, stone, or hardwood can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose, if they break down at all. 

What is a biodegradable coffin made from? 

Biodegradable coffins are designed to have the least possible impact on the environment. They are crafted from natural, sustainable materials that are ethically sourced and break down naturally, leaving no harmful residue behind. When used for cremation, biodegradable coffins produce significantly less CO₂ compared to traditional wood or veneer coffins.

Here are some common biodegradable materials:  

• Bamboo  

• Banana Leaf  

• Willow  

• Cardboard  

Biodegradable coffins typically break down fully within three to five years, while traditional coffins made from solid wood, veneer, or metal can take several decades to centuries to decompose. 

Biodegradable urns and coffins offer a sustainable, meaningful, and environmentally conscious way to handle the final journey of a loved one. They are part of a growing movement toward greener, simpler burial practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact of death.

Whether you are planning your own green burial or making arrangements for a loved one, choosing biodegradable options is a beautiful way to contribute positively to the environment and leave behind a lasting, living legacy.