Letting go of our loved ones is never easy, and during times of grief, it can be especially hard to make sound financial decisions while planning a funeral and burial. I recall meeting a woman in Florida who shared how her family had experienced this firsthand when they needed to arrange their father’s burial after his death. They were so disoriented by the sudden loss that they ended up splurging on a deluxe casket, extravagant floral arrangements, and even an insurance policy against the casket breaking down. These were all expenses that would have gone against every fiber of the frugal man’s being while he was alive. Obviously, not planning ahead can have substantial consequences for us, both emotionally and financially.
Luckily, there are many progressive options for body disposition today. Each method has its own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them all carefully before deciding how to proceed. Let’s explore what’s available.
Standard Funeral
A standard funeral typically includes several key components, including embalming of the body, viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony or service, and burial in a cemetery.
Pros: Readily available in most places.
Cons: Embalming fluids contain a mixture of chemicals such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and phenol, which can be harmful to the environment when released into the soil during burial. These chemicals can also pose health risks to funeral home workers who handle them frequently.
Traditional burials often involve the use of concrete vaults or liners that are designed to prevent the ground from sinking over time. However, these structures can also prevent natural decomposition and create issues with water runoff.
Cost: The cost of a standard funeral can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the funeral home or service provider chosen, and the specific services requested. The average cost of a traditional funeral in the United States is $7,000 to $12,000.
Green/Natural Burial
Typically, the body is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud or placed in a simple wooden casket made from sustainably harvested wood. The grave itself may be left unmarked or marked with natural materials such as stones or plants rather than traditional headstones. These green burials take place in dedicated “green” cemeteries that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Pros: Green/natural burials allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without the use of harmful chemicals or nonbiodegradable materials, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional burial practices. Green cemeteries used for natural burials often serve as protected areas for native flora and fauna, preserving valuable green spaces for future generations.
Some people find that a natural burial offers a more meaningful and personal way to say goodbye to their loved one, as it allows for a closer connection with nature and a sense of returning to the earth.
Cons: Not all areas have access to green burial options, so it may not be feasible or practical for everyone. (Visit the Green Burial Council to see what’s available near you.) Additionally, some religious beliefs require specific types of burial practices that may not align with natural burial principles.
Cost: These methods are usually less expensive than traditional funerals, as they often involve fewer costly materials and services. The costs vary widely, however, depending on the specific choices made.
Fire Cremation
Fire cremation is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional burial. The body is placed in a special chamber and exposed to high temperatures that reduce it to ash. The ashes can then be kept in a container or scattered. Check your location for specific laws, but in general in the U.S., we cannot scatter ashes in a public park without a permit. The federal Clean Water Act requires that the Environmental Protection Agency be notified before scattering ashes, and if in the ocean, they must be scattered at least three nautical miles out to sea. For lakes and rivers, a permit is usually required from the local government. Ashes can be scattered from the air, but not while still in a container.
Pros: More economical than standard burial, and it grants families flexibility in terms of where ashes may be scattered or stored, while providing convenient transport options during funerals or memorials.
Cons: The process of burning the body releases pollutants into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic gases. Fire cremation also emits toxic emissions from mercury or silver dental fillings. These gases and emissions can contribute to air pollution and are thought to be linked to respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cost: The average cost of a cremation in the United States is generally less than a traditional funeral. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost with a memorial service in 2019 was about $5,150, but this figure can vary widely depending on location, type of urn selected, and additional services. A “direct” cremation, which does not involve a viewing or ceremony, can cost as little as $500 in some areas.
Water/Aqua Cremations
Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a new alternative to traditional cremation that involves using water and alkaline chemicals to break down the body. The process is usually carried out in a stainless steel chamber, where the body is placed along with water and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which dissolves the tissue over several hours.
Pros: A water cremation uses 90 percent less energy and produces ten times fewer carbon dioxide emissions than a fire cremation. It produces no carbon dioxide or metal emissions. The liquid byproduct is a nontoxic solution of amino acids, peptides, sugars, and soap, which make a wonderful fertilizer. Families can even take it home to water trees and plants in their personal garden.
Cons: Water cremations aren’t legal in every US state yet. As of September 2022, they are legal in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Cost: $2,000 to $3,000.
Human Composting
Also known as natural organic reduction, human composting is a process that involves converting human remains into soil. It usually means placing the body in a vessel with wood chips, straw, or other organic materials and maintaining it at a specific temperature and moisture level over several weeks to allow for natural decomposition. Microbes break down the body into its basic components, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. After the process is complete, what’s left is a nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or other purposes.
Pros: Human composting is a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional burial or cremation, it involves no chemicals, and it requires less energy than cremation.
Cons: Currently, human composting is legal only in the states of Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, as well as in the country of Sweden. However, interest in this method is growing, so more states and countries may consider legalizing it in the future.
Cost: $5,000 to $7,000.
Body donation
Also known as whole body donation, this involves donating the body to medical schools, research facilities, or other organizations for medical research and education. Advance arrangements with a specific organization or institution are required. The organization then arranges to transport the body to their facility. As a thank you, many medical schools will hold a “memorial service of gratitude” for families and loved ones of the deceased. After the research has been completed, the medical facility cremates the remains and returns the ashes to the family.
Pros: Some people feel that their death is more meaningful because it will provide a valuable contribution to medicine.
Cons: Not all bodies are accepted for donation. Factors such as age, cause of death, and medical conditions may disqualify someone from becoming a donor. Make sure to find a reputable place for donation. Not all places are equal and may falsely advertise. If you aren’t sure, ask doctors and hospitals for advice. In the US, you can search for reputable programs at https://anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu. It’s also important to discuss this decision with family members so that they understand and support it.
Cost: Free. Once accepted, there is no cost for the donation process, cremation, or return of final remains.
The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One through the End of Life
Adapted from The Good Death by Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN. Copyright © 2025 by Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN. Used with permission of Little, Brown Spark, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.
