Utahns express preferences for eco-friendly burial alternatives

Since time immemorial, contemplating one’s own funeral has been an inherently awkward yet unavoidable aspect of life. Traditionally, the decision seemed straightforward: burial or cremation. But as our society’s values shift, so too do the ways we consider for our post-mortem journey.

The trend towards environmentally conscious funeral options is on the rise as awareness spreads. In response to this shift, Reno, Nevada-based funeral insurance company Choice Mutual conducted a survey among 6,000 people to gauge preferences for non-traditional burial methods. The findings revealed a growing interest in eco-friendly funeral alternatives.

The findings of the survey revealed the most popular options among Utahns for eco-friendly burial.

The most popular option among Beehive Sate residents was “green burials.” This method skips the embalming process and uses biodegradable caskets or shrouds. The aim is to allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without harming the environment.

A surprising choice emerged as the second most popular for Utah residents: tree pod burials. The body is placed in a biodegradable pod that is then buried in the ground. A tree is planted above the pod and as the body decomposes, it nourishes the tree.

Memorial reefs was the third most popular pick among Utahns. This involves creating artificial coral reefs using remains mixed into an environmentally safe cement. These reefs provide habitats for marine life and help restore endangered coral ecosystems. An alternative approach is to create a reef ball from the cremated remains.

Human composting was the next choice in the state. Also known as natural organic reduction, this method involves placing the body in a special vessel with organic materials like wood chips and straw. Over a period of time, the body decomposes naturally, turning into nutrient-rich soil.

Other alternatives include “aquamation,” also called water cremation, where water and lye are used to break down the body, using less energy and creating fewer emissions than cremation. A less-used means of burial involves mushroom suits, biodegradable shrouds embedded with mushroom spores that decompose the body and neutralize toxins that are released during decomposition.

An “out-there” alternative to regular burial involves sending ashes into orbit — a not-too-popular pick, likely due to environmental concerns about space debris.

“We’re observing a significant shift in end-of-life preferences as people seek to leave a lasting, positive impact on the planet,” said Anthony Martin from Choice Mutual. “It’s about connecting with the Earth and fulfilling a legacy that honors both environmental values and personal beliefs. These eco-friendly options offer a way to say farewell that aligns with the principles people lived by, ensuring that their final footprint is as green and meaningful as the life they led.”

With personal debt in America soaring, 45 percent of those polled cited the high costs associated with traditional funerals — typically between $7,000 and $12,000 — as the major concern for seeking alternatives. These expenses often cover a range of services, including casket purchase, service fees, burial vault and costs for the gravesite and its preparation — not to mention headstones and funeral ceremonies.

Environmental impact is another significant concern, with 12 percent of those surveyed prioritizing it, closely followed by the issue of cemetery space, which concerned 11 percent of respondents.

Utahns were queried about their likelihood of choosing a cost-saving alternative burial method over traditional ones, with many indicating the likelihood of switching to reduce expenses.

Discussions about funeral plans, especially with elder family members, remain a sensitive subject, with 39 percent feeling uneasy about it. Yet, a striking 72 percent would back a relative’s decision to choose an alternative method, although 9 percent might try to dissuade them and 19 percent would remain neutral.

Regarding funeral funding, life insurance is expected to cover the costs for 39 percent of respondents. Personal savings are the anticipated source for 29 percent, while 11 percent would rely on family contributions. A small fraction — 3 percent — would even consider crowdfunding as an option.

Results of the survey are available at https://choicemutual.com/blog/funeral-preferences/.