Green Funerals – Gentle on the Earth, Deeply Personal in Tribute

A Farewell That Respects the Earth and the Life It Celebrates

For many families, saying goodbye is about more than honouring a loved one’s life—it’s about making choices that align with their values. If environmental sustainability was important to your loved one, you might wish their farewell to reflect that same care for the earth.

At Life Rites Funerals, we create green funerals that are gentle on the planet and deeply personal in meaning. From natural burials to shrouded cremations, every element can be chosen to minimise environmental impact while honouring your loved one in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.

We are proud members of the Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN), committed to offering environmentally responsible funeral options that uphold dignity, respect, and choice.

Why Choose a Green Funeral?

Traditional funeral practices often involve materials and processes that can be harmful to the environment—such as embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and high energy use. A green funeral offers a meaningful alternative that:

Reduces environmental impact through sustainable products and practices.
Honours the values of the person being farewelled.
Creates connection to nature, offering peace and beauty in a natural setting.
Leaves a living legacy by allowing the land to regenerate and thrive.

For many families, a green funeral isn’t just a choice—it’s a final gift to the earth and a reflection of a lifetime of mindful living.

Our Eco-Friendly Options

We tailor every service to your needs, offering a range of environmentally conscious choices.

1. Organic & Sustainable Body Care

We use only organic, biodegradable products during body care, avoiding harsh chemicals. Families can be involved in this process if they wish, guided by our gentle, experienced team.

2. Home Vigils to Reduce Energy Usage

By keeping your loved one at home, we avoid the energy demands of mortuary refrigeration. This also allows for a more intimate and unhurried goodbye, surrounded by family, friends, and familiar comforts.

3. Environmentally Friendly Coffins & Shrouds

Raw Pine Coffins – Sustainably sourced, untreated timber.
Eco Shrouds – Locally made from hemp, organic cotton, or linen.
Woven or Cardboard Options – Lightweight, biodegradable, and free from toxic finishes.

You can explore our Eco Range Coffins & Caskets and Shrouds Collection for more details.

4. Natural Burials

We work closely with Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery and other natural burial sites. These spaces allow the body to return to the earth without permanent markers, leaving the land to regenerate with native plants and wildlife.

5. Shrouded Cremation

We are part of the NSW pilot program for shrouded cremations, which remove the need for a coffin entirely, reducing both environmental impact and cost.

6. Sustainable Ceremony Practices

Digital invitations and recycled-paper orders of service.
Home-grown flowers or arrangements from sustainable florists.
Donations to environmental charities instead of cut flowers.

Initial Conversation – We begin by listening, learning about your loved one’s life, values, and environmental wishes.
Tailored Planning – Together, we select green options that reflect those values while meeting cultural, spiritual, or personal needs.
Ceremony Preparation – We coordinate locations, celebrants, and eco-conscious details.
The Farewell – On the day, our team ensures everything runs smoothly, with care and respect at every step.
Aftercare – We remain available for grief support, memorial planning, and ongoing guidance.

The Life Rites Green Funeral Process

Over a decade of experience in natural burials, shrouded cremations, and eco-friendly funerals.
NDAN membership, affirming our commitment to sustainable funeral care.
Warm, inclusive approach, honouring all faiths, cultures, and identities.
Transparent guidance, so you always understand your options and costs.
Locally connected to Sydney’s most respected natural burial grounds and sustainable suppliers.

Why Families Trust Life Rites

Case Study – James’ Natural Burial

“When James died, his daughter knew exactly what he wanted—something simple, gentle, and aligned with his deep respect for nature. Life Rites supported her in honouring his wish for a natural burial at Wollongong Lawn Cemetery. Wrapped in a natural fibre shroud and placed in a sustainably crafted coffin, free of synthetics, glues, or varnishes, James was laid to rest surrounded by tall trees and native grasses. In this part of the cemetery, the ground is left to regenerate naturally—no headstones, just the living landscape, a legacy in motion.”

Words From Families We’ve Helped

“Spiritually rich, environmentally minded, and person-centred. There is nothing default about Life Rites. Everything is individually chosen and it shows.”

— LJ Polley-Peters

“I am heartened to know these options are available for death care. Finding meaningful rituals to honour the sacredness of this rite of passage was so important. ”

— Flowers & Fire Yoga Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

Green funerals use eco-friendly practices such as biodegradable coffins, chemical-free body care, and natural burial sites, reducing environmental impact.
Yes. We can integrate traditional practices while using sustainable materials and methods.
They can be, depending on location and materials chosen. We provide clear, upfront pricing for all options.
Common settings include bushland cemeteries, private land (with permission), or crematoria offering shrouded cremations.
Absolutely. Pre-planning ensures your wishes are known and reduces stress for your loved ones.

Taking the Next Step

If you or your loved one value sustainability, a green funeral can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting, positive impact. Our compassionate team will guide you through every choice with respect, clarity, and care.

📞 Call us anytime: 0421 200 250
📍 Visit us: 118 Durham St, Hurstville NSW 2220
📧 Email: info@liferitesfunerals.com
Contact Us Today to discuss your eco-friendly farewell.