Ecological Burial
· 2 min read
What ecological burial means
Ecological burial refers to funeral arrangements in which environmental impact is minimised at every stage. This covers the choice of casket or urn material, burial site selection, transport, and ceremony arrangements. In ecological burials, biodegradable materials, natural burial sites, and simple arrangements are preferred. In Finland, interest in ecological burials has grown, and an increasing number of funeral homes offer environmentally friendly options.
Ecological burial does not mean reducing dignity or respect, but making a conscious choice for the environment.
Ecological casket and urn options
Ecological caskets are made from untreated wood, wicker, bamboo, and cardboard. These materials decompose naturally in the soil without harmful chemicals. The varnishes, paints, and metal parts used in traditional caskets slow decomposition and can burden the soil. Biodegradable urns are made from ceramic, starch-based material, wood, or salt. They decompose in the ground or water within a few months. The price of an ecological casket or urn is often lower than that of a traditional alternative.
Placing ashes in nature
Under Section 17 of the Burial Act, ashes may be placed in nature with the landowner's permission. Ashes can be scattered in a forest, meadow, body of water, or at sea. Placement does not require a burial plot or headstone, which reduces environmental burden. The ashes are sterile and mainly contain minerals, so they do not pollute the environment. Nature placement is a growing trend that combines ecology with a meaningful place of remembrance. The one-year deadline for ash placement is established by law.
Natural cemetery
In Finland, some cemeteries have natural sections where burial plots blend into the natural landscape. In a natural cemetery, traditional headstones are not used; instead, memorials may take the form of a planted tree, natural stone, or name plaque. Graves are left in their natural state without lawns or plantings. This reduces the environmental impact of cemetery maintenance. Memorial groves are another ecological option where ashes are placed in a shared area without individual burial plots.
Frequently asked questions
What does ecological burial mean?
Ecological burial refers to funeral arrangements in which environmental impact is minimised. In practice, this means using biodegradable materials for the casket or urn, choosing a natural burial site, using non-toxic embalming methods or forgoing embalming entirely, and minimising resource use. Cremation is an ecologically friendlier option compared to casket burial, and placing ashes in nature or a memorial grove reduces the need for cemetery space. In Finland, ecological burial is an increasingly popular choice.
What ecological casket options are available?
Ecological casket options include caskets made from untreated wood, wicker-woven caskets, cardboard caskets, and bamboo caskets. An untreated pine or birch casket decomposes in the soil faster than a varnished or painted one. Wicker caskets are a traditional option that is fully biodegradable. Ecological caskets do not use metal parts, synthetic fabrics, or toxic varnish products. Biodegradable urns are made from, for example, ceramic, starch, or wood, and they decompose in the soil within a few months.
Can ashes be placed in nature in Finland?
Yes. Under Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003), ashes may be placed outside a cemetery, provided the landowner gives permission and the person placing them takes responsibility for permanent placement. Ashes can be scattered in a forest, body of water, or other natural setting. The ashes must be placed within one year of cremation. Nature placement is an ecological option that requires no burial plot, headstone, or cemetery maintenance. Notifying the environmental authorities is recommended, though not strictly required by law.
Is cremation or casket burial more ecological?
Both have environmental impacts, but cremation is generally a smaller environmental burden in the long term. Cremation uses energy in the incineration process and produces carbon dioxide emissions, but it does not require long-term land use. Casket burial ties up land area for decades and involves materials that decompose slowly. The most ecological option is cremation in a biodegradable urn with ashes placed in nature or a memorial grove, avoiding the need for a permanent burial plot.
Read also
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
Memorial grove as a burial option in Finland: named and unnamed memorial groves, costs, and practices. A guide to choosing a memorial grove.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.