Green Funerals Around the World: Japan Is the Most “Thrifty,” Switzerland the Most Romantic

 When it comes to laying the deceased to rest, countries around the world take different approaches, but the philosophy is the same: pursuing economical, eco-friendly, and natural methods of green burial. As the saying goes, customs may differ, but the commitment to ecological and sustainable burial is shared. In recent years, China has also begun to promote green funerals, with a focus on addressing burial issues in urban areas, achieving harmony with nature, and pursuing sustainable development. So, what kinds of green burial practices exist abroad?

Iceland — “The Strictest,” Even Screws Must Be Biodegradable

As a nation deeply committed to environmental protection, Iceland enforces extremely detailed green funeral regulations, particularly in land conservation and the materials permitted for funeral items, right down to the screws in the coffin. Coffins must not exceed 230 cm in length, 100 cm in width, and 80 cm in height. They must be made of degradable materials such as wood, cardboard, or medium-density fiberboard, so that they can break down naturally in the soil. The total metal content of a coffin cannot exceed 200 grams, and the coffin must be sealed with adhesives. All adhesives, handles, decorations, coatings, and even screws must be made of biodegradable materials. These rules are not merely symbolic; cemeteries employ inspectors to ensure compliance, and nonconforming coffins may be denied burial.

Australia — “The Most Technological,” GPS to Locate Burial Sites

In recent years, aging populations and growing land demands for burials have led even sparsely populated Australia to face a “cemetery shortage.” In response, Australia has promoted green funerals, also known as ecological funerals. Unlike traditional burials, these do not use chemical preservatives, and both the clothing and the coffin are made of biodegradable materials. After burial, the coffin and clothing decompose naturally, preventing soil and groundwater pollution. To accommodate religious or cultural traditions, “eco-cremation” is also available: the body is treated chemically and reduced to biodegradable ash, which is buried with far lower carbon emissions than traditional cremation. In some ecological burials, families may choose to forgo traditional headstones and instead place a GPS device at the burial site. Relatives can then use a handheld GPS to locate the exact spot during visits.

Brazil — “The Most Complex,” Cemeteries Require Environmental Assessments

Like other major cities, Rio de Janeiro faces land shortages due to its dense population. As a result, family tombs are common: one plot is purchased for the entire family, and multiple coffins are stacked vertically to save space. But Brazil’s emphasis on environmental protection means cemeteries cannot be built freely. They must first obtain an environmental protection certificate, which is not easy to acquire. Cemeteries cannot be built in nature reserves, reforested areas, underground river zones, or near drinking water sources. A detailed plan must also be submitted, specifying the number of plants, monuments, and memorials, along with an environmental management plan to control and mitigate pollution. If environmental standards are not met, construction is prohibited, and even existing cemeteries must be rectified within 180 days or be shut down.

Japan — “The Most Convenient,” Swipe a Card to Retrieve Ashes

In Japan, purchasing a burial plot requires an heir. But as small nuclear families replace traditional extended families, many people have no one to inherit a family grave. Some family tombs also face abandonment due to declining birth rates. In response, Japan has developed the “columbarium,” an indoor facility for storing ashes, resembling lockers at a supermarket. Each urn is placed in a compartment. In modern high-tech columbaria, mourners swipe a card upon entry, and the urn is automatically delivered to them. These facilities save space, eliminate the need for tombstones, and are relatively affordable. Another unique Japanese practice is communal burial among unrelated individuals. Those wishing to share a final resting place with others form membership groups during their lifetime, socializing and building bonds. After death, members are buried together, and the surviving members hold memorials. Communal graves often hold over 100 sets of ashes, with some accommodating tens of thousands.

Singapore — “The Simplest,” Sea Burials on the Rise

With its small land area and limited resources, Singapore has encouraged simplified funeral customs. When a family member passes away, many families now hold modest ceremonies at nearby venues such as public housing blocks or parking lots, publish obituaries in local media, and use this to both grieve and notify acquaintances who might otherwise be hard to reach. According to local funeral service providers, traditional funerals are declining, while inquiries and arrangements for sea burials are steadily increasing. In a sea burial, the ashes are scattered into the ocean, where they dissolve naturally without polluting the environment. The ceremony is straightforward: once ashes are collected, families typically charter a small boat for around 10 people the following day to carry out the ritual.

New York State, USA — “The Most Beautiful,” Natural Stones for Memorials

In upstate New York, a former dairy farm has been transformed into a natural burial ground spanning over 3,200 hectares. Surrounded by forests and rivers, it maintains its original landscape with no herbicides, irrigation, or artificial landscaping. Compared with traditional funerals, green burials are much cheaper. A burial plot costs about $1,000 for 21 square meters, while cremation plots cost $350 for about 5 square meters. The cemetery prohibits headstones and artificial materials like cement, but allows names to be engraved on natural stones. Management states that each grave owner may retain rights to the land for a long time.

Switzerland — “The Most Romantic,” Turning Ashes Into Diamonds

In Graubünden, Switzerland, a company has developed a unique technology that transforms ashes into artificial crystals resembling diamonds. After purification, ashes are subjected to 1,500°C temperatures and 50,000 pascals of pressure for three to four weeks, resulting in a gemstone-like crystal. Depending on the deceased’s lifestyle and diet, the ashes produce varying shades of blue. These memorial “diamonds” are often set in granite bases, and names with birth and death years can be laser-engraved if desired by the family.

Embracing change, continuous innovation, and harnessing technology to shape a new era of funeral culture is the shared goal of nations around the world. Ecological, green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly burial practices are what every country should promote and adopt. Economical, sustainable, and respectful of both people and nature, green funerals truly are beautiful. What do you think?