Traditional burial and cremation methods contribute significantly to carbon emissions through energy intensive processes and the use of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. Human composting and alkaline hydrolysis offer sustainable alternatives that reduce energy use and return nutrients to the soil. These green burial practices help sequester carbon and protect land by eliminating the need for concrete vaults and chemical embalming. As more US states legalize these methods, they provide a practical way to lower the environmental impact of the funeral industry.
