Alternative Burial Options That Show Goodbye Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
Ever feel like traditional funerals don’t really capture who someone was?
Maybe they’re too formal, too stiff, or just not the kind of sendoff that fits the person you knew.
The truth is, traditional burial and cremation don’t work for everyone. Whether it’s about environmental impact, personal values, or just wanting something a little more “you,” there are ways to go out that aren’t so… cookie-cutter.
Take Hunter S. Thompson, for example. His friends didn’t line up in pews or quietly cry over a casket. Instead, they shot his ashes out of a cannon on his ranch in Colorado. Fireworks exploded, music blasted, and it was the kind of wild farewell that perfectly matched his larger-than-life personality.
Or think about Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. His ashes were launched into space, making him literally part of the final frontier. It’s bold, unforgettable, and totally fitting for the man who inspired generations to boldly go where no one has gone before.
The point is: your final goodbye doesn’t have to follow a script. It can be creative, adventurous, eco-friendly, or just downright cool. So let’s talk about your options—because there’s a lot more out there than just traditional burial or cremation.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Green Burial: Eco-friendly, natural burials in biodegradable materials.
Biodegradable Urns: Ashes dissolve into water or soil for a symbolic goodbye.
Memorial Diamonds: Transform cremated remains into a diamond keepsake.
Space Burial: A small portion of human ashes is launched into orbit.
How to Choose: Consider values, budget, and legacy when exploring alternative burial options.
Why Consider Alternatives to Traditional Burial?
Traditional burial and traditional cremation have been around for centuries, but they aren’t always the best fit. They come with downsides: embalming fluid (full of toxic chemicals), heavy caskets that take up space forever, and the carbon emissions from flame-based cremation.
For those who care about sustainability—or just want something more creative—burial alternatives like green burials, human composting, or tree burials offer a chance to make your sendoff as unique as your life.
And honestly, shouldn’t your goodbye match your personality? Whether it’s rejoining the earth in an eco-friendly burial site or blasting off into the cosmos, these options give you the chance to leave a legacy that feels right for you.
Exploring Alternative Burial Options
Green Burial: Nature’s VIP Lounge
If you love the idea of becoming one with the earth, a green burial might be your thing. No embalming fluid, no heavy caskets, and no concrete vaults. Instead, your body is placed in biodegradable materials (like a shroud or wooden box) and buried in an eco-friendly burial site or a green cemetery.
You decompose naturally, nourishing the soil in the process—a true “circle of life” moment. Some people even choose to have wildflowers or trees planted on their burial site, creating a peaceful place for loved ones to visit.
Company to check out: The Green Burial Council certifies cemeteries and funeral homes that offer eco-friendly options.
Biodegradable Urns: Drift Into the Ocean or Grow a Tree
If cremation is more your style, biodegradable urns are a symbolic way to reconnect with nature. These urns dissolve into water or soil, making them perfect for a sea burial or a tree burial.
Picture this: your family gathers on the beach, releasing your urn into the waves as the tide carries you off. Or they plant the urn in their backyard, where it nourishes a tree that grows stronger each year. It’s a peaceful way to say goodbye while staying connected to the earth.
Company to check out: The Living Urn offers urns designed for tree planting or ocean burials.
Memorial Diamonds: Shine Bright Forever
Turning cremated remains into a diamond might sound futuristic, but it’s an option more people are choosing. Memorial diamonds give loved ones a way to carry your memory with them, blending science with sentimentality.
Think about it: you could live on as a sparkling diamond in a ring or necklace. It’s glamorous, heartfelt, and undeniably unique.
Company to check out: Eterneva specialists in creating high-quality diamonds from human ashes or hair.
Space Burial: Blast Off for Eternity
For the dreamers and adventurers, space burial offers the ultimate sendoff. A portion of your cremated ashes is launched into orbit, letting you rest among the stars.
It’s bold, unforgettable, and perfect for anyone who’s ever looked up at the night sky and thought, That’s where I belong.
Company to check out: Celestis’ memorial spaceflights range from Earth orbit to deep space.
How to Choose the Right Option
When it comes to planning your goodbye, ask yourself these questions:
What matches your values? Do you care about sustainability? Adventure? Symbolism?
What kind of story do you want to leave behind? Whether it’s a tree burial, a diamond, or a cosmic journey, think about how your choice will inspire loved ones.
What’s your budget? Options like green burials are often more affordable, while memorial diamonds and space burials fall on the pricier side.
Your final arrangements are an opportunity to make a lasting impact—so choose what feels right for you.
Final Thoughts
Your farewell doesn’t have to be a copy-paste version of tradition. Whether you choose a green burial, a water cremation, or to become a diamond that shines forever, these alternative burial options allow you to create a goodbye that’s anything but ordinary.
So go ahead—think outside the casket. It’s your story to write, and it deserves to be as bold and memorable as you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Alternative Burial Options
1. Are alternative burial options more expensive than traditional ones?
Not always. Options like green burials and biodegradable urns are often cheaper than traditional funerals, while memorial diamonds and space burials cost more.
2. What’s the environmental impact of these options?
Options like natural burials and biodegradable urns are highly eco-friendly, while space burials and diamonds have a slightly larger footprint.
3. Is human composting legal?
Yes, in some states! Also known as natural organic reduction, it’s growing as a popular eco-friendly burial alternative.
4. What is water cremation?
Water cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) uses water and heat to process the body, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to flame-based cremation.
5. Can I pre-plan my burial process?
Absolutely. Many providers let you plan your final arrangements ahead of time, so your wishes are crystal clear.
