
Green Burial: A Sustainable Burial Option in Singapore
Understanding Green Burials: An Eco-Friendly Farewell
As more people in Singapore embrace environmentally friendly lifestyles, it’s no surprise that eco-consciousness is influencing how we say goodbye to our loved ones. Green burial offers a meaningful way to honour life while caring for the planet. Unlike traditional burial methods, green burial focuses on sustainability, using natural processes and eco-friendly materials to minimise the environmental impact.
From scattering ashes at Singapore’s serene Garden of Peace to exploring innovative options like tree pod burials or reef burials that turn ashes into marine ecosystems, green burial provides a variety of thoughtful and creative ways to leave a sustainable legacy. It’s not just about reducing carbon footprints—it’s about creating a connection between life, death, and nature.
In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating world of green burial options, the advantages they bring, and how they align with Singapore’s unique cultural and environmental landscape. Whether you’re curious about natural burials, intrigued by mushroom suits, or want to understand the growing trend of eco-friendly cemeteries, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the possibilities and discover how green burials can turn farewells into an act of care for the earth.
12 Green Burial Options
Here are 12 unique green burial options that offer meaningful and eco-friendly ways to honour your loved ones while caring for the planet.
Sea Burial: A Water-Based Resting Place
Sea burials are a heartfelt way to honour a loved one by releasing their cremated ashes into the waters south of Pulau Semakau. The natural, sand-like texture of the ashes allows them to blend seamlessly into the ocean, ensuring no harm to the marine environment.
For families seeking an alternative to scattering ashes directly into the water, biodegradable urns offer a meaningful option. These environmentally friendly urns, crafted from non-toxic materials, gently float before sinking and dissolving, releasing the ashes naturally into the sea. The ceremony’s calm and reflective nature often provides families with a sense of peace and closure as they bid farewell to their loved one in harmony with nature.
Inland Ash Scattering: A Meaningful Tribute in Nature
Singapore’s only inland ash scattering facility, the Garden of Peace, is a serene green haven located within the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex. This tranquil space provides family members with a peaceful environment to say their goodbyes by sprinkling their loved one’s ashes along a specially designated ash scattering lane. The lane is thoughtfully designed with pebbles and well-maintained greenery, adding to the calm atmosphere.
It’s important to note that the Garden of Peace is a secular space, meaning religious rites and ceremonies are not allowed in the ash scattering area. However, families wishing to conduct rituals such as burning joss sticks or offering food can do so at a designated prayer area situated next to the garden. This thoughtful arrangement ensures families have the opportunity to honour their loved ones in a respectful and meaningful way. You can check out NEA’s website for more information on costing and regulations.
Natural Burial: Returning to the Earth
Natural burial is among the most popular types of green burial, offering a simple and eco-friendly way to lay a loved one to rest. This method involves placing the body in a biodegradable casket, shroud, or burial container and burying it directly in the soil.
The grave is typically shallow, encouraging natural decomposition and reintegration with the earth. Unlike traditional burials, no concrete vaults or grave liners are used, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally harmonious approach.
Eco-Friendly Cemeteries: A Green Alternative
Green cemeteries, sometimes called natural burial grounds or conservation burial grounds, are special areas created for environmentally friendly burials. These cemeteries focus on sustainability by requiring biodegradable materials and using natural landscaping methods. This approach not only honours the deceased but also helps protect local ecosystems, making green cemeteries a thoughtful and eco-conscious choice for a final resting place.
Cremation with Sustainable Urns: Honour with Nature in Mind
Cremation may not be the most eco-friendly option because it uses a lot of energy and produces emissions. However, choosing biodegradable urns can make it a more sustainable choice. These urns are crafted from materials like recycled paper, bamboo, or natural fibres, which break down naturally over time. This allows the ashes to return to the earth in a way that’s kind to the environment.
Home Burials: A Personal and Simple Goodbye
Some families may choose home burial, where they lay their loved one to rest on private land in a biodegradable casket or shroud. This option often includes natural ceremonies and rituals, providing a deeply personal way to say goodbye.
However, in Singapore, home burial is not a common choice. With 95% of the population living in high-rise HDB flats and condominiums, only about 5% of people have access to landed properties with enough space for such a burial. This makes home burials less feasible in the local context.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): A Cleaner, Greener Process
Aquamation is a new, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down the body into its basic components. Compared to cremation, aquamation is considered better for the environment because it uses less energy and produces fewer emissions. This makes it a more sustainable option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Tree Pod Burials: Growing Life from Death
Tree pod burials offer a beautiful and eco-friendly way to honour a loved one. In this practice, the body is placed in a biodegradable pod or capsule, which is designed to help grow a tree. As the pod breaks down over time, it nourishes the tree, creating a living tribute that also supports reforestation. This unique option turns the cycle of life into something meaningful, contributing to nature and the environment.
Reef Burials: Turning Ashes into Marine Life
For those who feel a deep connection to the ocean, reef burials present an eco-friendly and meaningful choice. In this process, cremated remains are mixed with concrete to create artificial reefs. These reefs provide a home for marine life and play an important role in supporting ocean conservation. Reef burials not only honour a loved one’s memory but also help preserve and enrich marine ecosystems.
Sky Burials: Releasing the Soul to the Skies
Sky burials, a practice that originated in Tibet and Mongolia, offer a unique eco-friendly way to say goodbye. In this tradition, the body is placed on high ground, where it is exposed to the natural elements and allowed to decompose.
Predatory birds, such as vultures, are drawn to the site, completing the cycle of life. Although this practice is not common in Western countries, it is a powerful example of how burial can align with nature, offering a respectful and environmentally conscious alternative.
Mushroom Burial Suits: A Natural Decomposition Method
The mushroom suit, or Infinity Burial Suit, is a compostable burial shroud made with mushroom spores that help decompose the body and filter toxins, preventing harm to the surrounding environment.
Made from biodegradable materials and microorganisms, it speeds up decomposition and neutralises harmful substances like lead and pesticides. This eco-friendly burial option nourishes the soil, promotes plant growth, and supports sustainable land use, making it a growing choice for green funerals that reduce carbon emissions and respect nature’s cycles.
Human Composting: Contributing to the Circle of Life
Terramation, or human composting, is an eco-friendly burial method gaining popularity especially in the west. In this process, human remains are placed with organic materials like wood chips and straw. Over time, microbes break down the body into nutrient-rich compost, which can be used to fertilise plants or trees.
This sustainable option avoids harmful chemicals and reduces the carbon footprint of traditional burials or cremation. Some funeral homes even use technology to monitor the process, and families can visit natural burial grounds to honour their loved ones with flowers or biodegradable mementoes.
4 Advantages of Green Burials
Preserving Land and Natural Resources
Traditional burials often need large areas of land for cemeteries, which can contribute to urban sprawl and the loss of natural habitats. This isn’t practical for a small city like Singapore, which is just under 710 square kilometres.
Eco-friendly burials, however, make better use of space by promoting natural decomposition and reducing the need for materials like concrete vaults or grave liners. This method helps preserve valuable land for other uses and supports the protection of Singapore’s green spaces.
Enhancing Local Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Green burial grounds are thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with natural landscapes. By incorporating native plants and sustainable landscaping practices, these spaces not only honor the deceased but also support local ecosystems.
This approach helps maintain biodiversity within urban environments, ensuring that flora and fauna continue to thrive.
Lowering Carbon Emissions for a Sustainable Legacy
Traditional burial methods, like embalming, using non-biodegradable caskets, and maintaining cemetery infrastructure, contribute to carbon emissions and harm the environment.
In contrast, eco-burials have a much smaller carbon footprint. They use fewer resources and rely on natural processes for decomposition, making them a more sustainable choice that helps protect the environment.
Emotional Support
Many people take comfort in knowing that their loved ones are honoured in a way that focuses on nature. Green funeral options reflect values of conservation and environmental respect, offering emotional peace to family members as they choose a meaningful and eco-friendly farewell.
Why Green Burials Matter in Singapore
In a small city like Singapore, traditional land burials are not a sustainable option. While cremation and storing ashes in columbaria offer alternatives, green burial methods, such as sea scattering and inland scattering, provide an even better solution for conserving our precious land resources.
However, it’s important to carefully consider your options when planning for your own or a loved one’s final farewell.
If you need support or guidance, feel free to contact us at A.LifeGrad Funeral. Our team of experienced funeral directors is here to offer comfort and assistance as you navigate this meaningful decision. We are committed to providing compassionate care during your loved one’s final journey.
Challenges with Eco-Friendly Burials
Balancing Cultural Traditions with Sustainable Choices in Green Burials
In Singapore, funeral customs are deeply rooted in long-standing traditions. For instance, in Buddhist and Taoist funerals, many Chinese families believe that elaborate funeral rites are essential to honour their loved ones with dignity and grace. However, these traditions may not always align with the simplicity and nature-based ethos of green burials.
While some communities may feel reluctant to shift away from these traditional practices due to concerns about respecting ancestors, religious beliefs, or social expectations, it’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity.
To encourage the adoption of more eco-friendly burial options, education, awareness, and open dialogue are key. By addressing misconceptions and highlighting the environmental benefits, we can shift societal views and promote a deeper understanding of the meaningful aspects of green burials.
Lack of Comprehensive Regulations and Land Use Planning
Current regulations might not always promote eco-friendly burial options. To foster more sustainable choices, it’s important to simplify the rules, offer incentives for green initiatives, and work closely with key stakeholders. This way, we can build a more supportive environment that encourages the adoption of green burials and other eco-conscious practices.
Addressing Space Limitations in Singapore’s Land Scarcity
As a densely populated city, Singapore faces challenges in finding land for eco-friendly cemeteries. However, solutions like repurposing unused spaces and vertical burial gardens are helping address this issue.
The first green burial ground in Singapore, at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, allows families to scatter ashes in lush greenery. The movement has gained support through collaborations between government agencies, environmental groups, and funeral service providers.
Educational campaigns and workshops are helping the public understand the benefits of green burials, and funeral homes now offer eco-friendly packages. These include biodegradable caskets, chemical-free embalming, and natural burial plots.
The demand for green burials continues to grow, reflecting a shift towards sustainable living. With continued government support, eco-friendly burial options are set to become a more popular and responsible choice for the future.
Green Burials on a Global Scale
Green burials are gaining popularity worldwide, driven by two key factors:
Environmental Awareness
As people become more eco-conscious, many are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact – even after death. Traditional burials use non-biodegradable materials and harmful chemicals, while green burials focus on biodegradability and natural decomposition, making them a more sustainable option.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Living
With growing demand for eco-friendly choices, green burials are now part of the broader trend towards sustainable living. Countries like the US, UK, and Australia have embraced green burial sites, which help preserve nature, support biodiversity, and offer families a meaningful, environmentally friendly way to honour their loved ones.
This shift reflects a broader movement to align our actions with our values, ensuring a more sustainable future for both the living and the deceased.
Essential Information for Green Burial Practices
If you’re interested in exploring green burial options in Singapore, here’s what you should know about the first-ever green burial site in the country.
Tips on Choosing a Green Burial Funeral Parlour
- Research Providers: Look for funeral service providers (minimally 3 quotes) in Singapore that specialise in eco-friendly options. Check their credentials and reviews.
- Compare Offerings: Evaluate the features of different packages. Ensure they align with your family’s values and budget.
- Consult Family Members: Involve close family members in discussions to respect everyone’s preferences and beliefs.
- Inquire About Customisation: Many providers allow you to customise packages, so don’t hesitate to ask about tailoring options to suit your needs.
- Seek Guidance: Consider consulting with a religious leader to ensure that the chosen package respects your traditions.
Booking an Inland Ash Scattering Session at the Garden of Peace
Booking a land ash scattering session at the Garden of Peace is an important step in saying goodbye. Simply visit the NEA ePortal, or for non-Singaporeans, book through the Mandai/Choa Chu Kang office. Bookings are immediate and cannot be reserved in advance. The session costs $320, with payment required within 30 minutes. You can check out NEA’s website for more information on costing and regulations.
We understand that handling these details can be overwhelming. Our team at A.LifeGrad is available to guide you through the process with care and efficiency, so you can focus on honouring your loved one.
The Garden of Peace can be accessed via two entrances:
- North Gate: Located along Old Choa Chu Kang Road, next to bus stop no. 31139.
- South Gate: Situated at the junction of Cemetery South Street 18 and Muslim Cemetery Path 11.
- The Garden is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on maintenance days.
What Documents Are Needed for Inland Ash Scattering?
To book a land ash scattering session at the Garden of Peace in Singapore, you’ll need the following documents:
For recent cremations:
- Death Certificate or Cremation Permit
- Copy of next-of-kin’s NRIC (if you’re not the requester)
- Letter of Authorisation (if required)
For exhumed remains:
- Copy of next-of-kin’s NRIC (if you’re not the requester)
- Letter of Authorisation (if required)
- Mass Exhumation Registration or Private Exhumation Permit
For ashes from government columbaria:
- Copy of next-of-kin’s NRIC (if you’re not the requester)
- Letter of Authorisation (if required)
- Surrender of Niche Form
For ashes from private premises:
- Copy of next-of-kin’s NRIC (if you’re not the requester)
- Letter of Authorisation (if required)
- Signed Statutory Declaration as proof of removal details
These documents help ensure a smooth and efficient booking process for the session.
Who Is Eligible to Have Ashes Scattered at the Garden of Peace?
The Garden of Peace allows land ash scattering for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and foreigners, as long as their immediate next-of-kin are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. This inclusive policy makes it possible for many people to choose this peaceful and respectful final resting place for their loved ones.
What to Expect During the Ash Scattering Process
The land ash scattering process at the Garden of Peace is a respectful and peaceful experience. After booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation slip and can bring your loved one’s cremated remains to the Ash Collection Centre. The NEA staff will assist in preparing the ashes.
A one-time use canister is provided, but you can use your own if preferred. Once at the Garden of Peace, you may take a moment to reflect and pray before scattering the ashes onto the pebbles or into the soil, symbolising a return to nature.
To preserve the calm environment, religious ceremonies, burning offerings, music, or placing objects are not allowed.
Concluding Thoughts on Green Burial Practices
Green burials are becoming a popular and meaningful way to honour loved ones in Singapore while caring for the environment. Options like ash scattering at the Garden of Peace, tree pod, and reef burials provide eco-friendly alternatives that minimise land use and support local ecosystems.
These methods reduce carbon emissions, preserve natural resources, and offer families a chance to align their farewell with values of sustainability. As demand grows, green burials are becoming more accessible in Singapore, supported by government initiatives and funeral providers.
At A.LifeGrad Funeral, we’re here to guide you through the green burial process, helping you make a thoughtful and eco-conscious choice for your loved one’s final journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, focuses on returning the body to the earth in an eco-friendly manner without using embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. It honours both sustainability and simplicity.
Green burials avoid embalming fluids, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults, which are common in traditional burials. Instead, biodegradable materials are used, allowing the body to decompose naturally and minimise environmental impact.
Yes, green burials are permitted in Singapore, provided they comply with the country’s regulations for burial and environmental practices. We can guide you through the process to ensure all requirements are met.
Green burials significantly reduce carbon emissions, eliminate harmful chemicals, and conserve natural resources. They also contribute to land preservation and promote the regeneration of local ecosystems.
Absolutely. Personalisation options include choosing eco-friendly shrouds, planting memorial trees, and designing ceremonies that align with your loved one’s values and beliefs.
Green burial costs vary depending on your specific choices, such as the burial site and type of biodegradable materials. Generally, it’s more affordable than a traditional burial. Contact us for a transparent breakdown of costs.
Yes, there are designated areas in Singapore where green burials are permitted. We can help you locate and arrange a burial in a suitable eco-friendly cemetery.
Yes, green burials can incorporate a wide range of religious and cultural rituals. Our team is experienced in tailoring ceremonies to respect and honour diverse traditions.
Our green burial package typically includes eco-friendly burial materials, preparation of the body, coordination with the cemetery, and assistance with paperwork. Contact us to discuss specific details tailored to your needs.
Simply reach out to us via our website or contact number. Our team will guide you through every step, from understanding your options to coordinating the entire process with care and compassion.