Saying goodbye to a loved one is always emotional. But more and more families in Texas are discovering that farewells can be meaningful and mindful of the environment. Green funerals, also known as natural or eco-friendly funerals, are changing how Texans honor life and leave a legacy that respects the earth.

Whether you're planning ahead or facing a recent loss, understanding what green funerals are and how they’re making a difference can empower you to choose a farewell that aligns with your values.

A green funeral is a type of service that minimizes environmental impact while still honoring the traditions and emotions that come with saying goodbye. It avoids harmful chemicals, reduces waste, and often supports conservation efforts.

Key features include:

• No embalming or use of non-biodegradable chemicals
  

• Biodegradable caskets, urns, or shrouds
  

• Natural burial grounds or conservation cemeteries
  

• Minimalist, personalized ceremonies
  

• Energy-efficient practices at the funeral home
  
  

As environmental awareness grows, so does interest in these sustainable options. Cemeteries around the country have reported a 72 % increase in demand for green burials (Neuhaus, 2025).

Why Texas Families Are Choosing Green Funerals

1. A Return to Simplicity

Texans are known for their strong family ties and respect for tradition. Green funerals tap into that spirit by offering simplicity without sacrificing meaning. Without ornate caskets or elaborate embalming, the focus remains on honoring the person and their story.

Texas has seen firsthand the impact of climate change, from droughts to extreme weather. Green funerals give families a way to contribute positively to the environment, even after life ends. Natural burials avoid chemical runoff and reduce land disturbance.

Funeral homes like Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations, the only 100% solar-powered funeral provider in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, are setting an example with energy-efficient operations.

Traditional funerals can be expensive, especially when you factor in caskets, embalming, vaults, and headstones. Green funerals often cost less because they avoid many of those items. Families can still create deeply personal tributes without breaking the bank.

Every green funeral is unique, but most include some of the following elements:

• Biodegradable Casket or Shroud: Made from materials like bamboo, wicker, untreated pine, or organic cotton.
  
  

• No Embalming: Instead of using chemical preservatives, the body may be kept cool naturally using refrigeration or dry ice.
  
  

• Natural Burial Site: A meadow, forest, or cemetery section that allows for unlined graves and native vegetation.
  
  

• Sustainable Ceremony Choices: Digital programs, local flowers, and carpooling can reduce the carbon footprint.
  
  

Choosing a green funeral doesn’t just impact the family—it benefits the larger community:

1. Protects Local Ecosystems
   

• Natural burials encourage biodiversity and support pollinators, birds, and native plants.
  
  

2. Inspires Future Generations
   

• Children and grandchildren witnessing a green farewell often become more conscious of sustainability.
  
  

3. Supports Local Conservation Efforts
   

• Some funeral homes partner with organizations to plant memorial trees or donate to land preservation funds.
  
  

If you're considering a green funeral for yourself or a loved one, here are a few steps to get started:

1. Find a Funeral Home That Offers Green Options
   

• Look for facilities like Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations that practice sustainability and offer green packages.
  
  

2. Talk With Your Family
   

• Share your wishes clearly and early. It helps avoid confusion and ensures your choices are honored.
  
  

3. Pre-Plan If Possible
   

• Pre-planning allows you to lock in costs, select preferences, and take the pressure off loved ones when the time comes.
  
  

4. Consider a Living Memorial
   

• Mansfield Funeral Home participates in the Living Memorial Program™, where a tree is planted in a national forest for every family they serve. It’s a beautiful way to let a life live on through nature.
  
  

Green funerals are not a trend; they’re a movement toward mindful endings and lasting legacies. Texans across generations are embracing this approach as a way to protect the land they love while celebrating the lives they cherish.

Whether you're passionate about the planet or simply drawn to simplicity and meaning, a green funeral could be the choice that reflects your values best.

Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations is proud to help families across Texas plan eco-friendly farewells with compassion, care, and purpose. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in creating a sustainable, personal tribute that honors both life and the earth.

Neuhaus, E. (2025, January 28). The future of green burial. Cremation.Green. https://www.cremation.green/the-future-of-green-burial/