With more people seeking sustainable and meaningful end-of-life options, eco-conscious estate planning and natural burial are growing in popularity. These approaches integrate principles of sustainability, legacy, and care for future generations into the estate planning process.
Eco-Conscious Planning Options
Personal values can play a significant role in estate planning. Many individuals pursuing eco-conscious estate planning choose to:
- Direct part of their estate to environmental nonprofits, land trusts, or conservation organizations.
- Create a donor-advised fund to support environmental or conservation projects.
- Include instructions about how to divide, distribute, repurpose, and steward their tangible assets, such as heirloom tools.
Landowners with ecologically significant property can generate a charitable deduction by:
- Placing land under a conservation easement, or
- Adding deed restrictions to preserve the land for nature or public access.
Natural Burial: A Sustainable Option
Another eco-conscious choice is a natural burial, often referred to as a “green burial.” This involves burying loved ones without using non-biodegradable material such as embalming fluid, metal or lacquered caskets, or cement vaults. Instead, natural burials use:
- Biodegradable materials such as cotton clothing and natural fibers.
- Simple or sustainably sourced wooden caskets.
Natural burials often take place in:
- Natural burial grounds designed around eco-conscious practices.
- Conservation cemeteries protected by a permanent conservation easement.
- Designated natural-burial sections within traditional cemeteries.
- Private burial grounds, such as family cemeteries (permits and approvals required).
Natural burial is steadily regaining popularity across the U.S. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, almost two-thirds of Americans would consider natural burial, up from half just five years ago.
Estate Planning That Aligns with Personal Values
Sustainability-minded individuals have many options for eco-conscious estate planning and end-of-life planning. Our attorneys help clients incorporate personal values into their estate plans through creative strategies that reflect their environmental and ethical priorities.
To design an estate plan that aligns with your values, contact our Estate Planning Practice Team for guidance.
2025 summer associate Tony Mayotte contributed to this advisory. Tony is currently a student at the University of Michigan Law School.
