Deciding what to do with a loved one's remains is one of the most personal choices a family can make. For centuries, burial and cremation have been the primary options — but as environmental awareness grows and personal preferences evolve, more people are exploring meaningful alternatives.
Here are five increasingly popular alternatives to traditional burial, each offering a different way to honour a life and connect with the natural world. You may also want to read our overview of direct cremation vs traditional funeral for context on the most common choices.
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At a glance
What it covers
Five alternatives to traditional burial — from cremation diamonds to water burial — each with a different environmental footprint and emotional meaning.
Who it's for
Families or individuals who want a more personal, eco-conscious, or innovative farewell than a conventional funeral provides.
Key takeaway
All of these options can be combined with a memorial service — the choice of what happens to the remains is separate from how you choose to say goodbye.
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Cremation diamond
One of the most striking alternatives is transforming cremation ashes into a diamond. After cremation, the carbon from the ashes is purified and then subjected to extreme heat and pressure — mimicking the natural conditions beneath the Earth's surface — to produce a lab-created gemstone. The result is a beautiful, lasting memorial that can be set into jewellery or kept as a cherished keepsake. Each diamond is unique to the person it commemorates.
Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis)
Aquamation — also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation — uses a solution of water and alkaline chemicals to gently break down organic material over several hours. What remains are the bones, which are processed into ashes and returned to the family. Unlike traditional cremation, aquamation produces no direct atmospheric emissions and uses significantly less energy, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options currently available. It is not yet widely offered in the UK, but availability is growing.
Mushroom burial suit
For those seeking a truly natural return to the earth, the mushroom burial suit offers an innovative solution. The biodegradable suit is infused with mushroom spores that facilitate decomposition while neutralising toxins in the body. As the mycelium spreads, it helps break down the remains and enriches the surrounding soil with nutrients — contributing actively to the local ecosystem rather than simply occupying space within it.
Wicker and natural coffins
A simpler eco-friendly option, natural coffins made from willow, bamboo, or seagrass decompose naturally — unlike traditional caskets, which often contain metal fittings, synthetic linings, and varnish. Natural coffins are commonly used in green burials, which aim to minimise environmental impact and allow for a more natural return to the earth. They are increasingly available from funeral directors across the UK.
Water burial
Water burials have been practised across cultures for centuries, and modern adaptations bring sustainable options for sea committal. One approach places the body in a biodegradable shroud and allows it to gently sink to the ocean floor, where natural decomposition occurs. Another option — reef burial — mixes cremation ashes with an eco-friendly concrete to form an artificial reef that supports marine life over time. Both provide a peaceful, nature-connected farewell.
What to consider when choosing
Before deciding on an alternative burial option, it is worth considering:
- The wishes of the deceased, if known.
- Availability of the method in the UK (some options require overseas providers).
- Cost — some alternatives, such as cremation diamonds, can be expensive; others, like natural coffins, may cost less than a conventional casket.
- Religious or cultural considerations for the family.
Whatever you choose, it is entirely possible to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life — the choice of what happens to the remains is independent of how you gather to say goodbye. If you are also considering direct cremation as a starting point, our guide on what to do with your loved one's ashes covers the many options available after cremation.
