A few weeks ago, I attended an open house in Denver, CO for Be a Tree Cremation, a woman-owned and operated business (love that!) offering water cremation, a thoughtful and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
What Is Water Cremation?
According to Be a Tree’s website, water cremation “offers a gentle path back to the earth that honors the sacred cycle of life and renewal.” The process uses warm water, alkalinity, and time to return the body to its essential elements, no flames, no smoke, and no harmful emissions.
In fact, water cremation uses 90% less energy than traditional flame cremation and releases zero emissions into the atmosphere. When the process is complete, what remains are pure mineral bones, which are processed into a fine white powder and placed in an urn for the family.
There are also unique, meaningful ways to honor your loved one afterward. Families can receive the nutrient-rich water from the process to use in a garden, or choose to transform the remains into smooth, hand-held stones that can be shared among friends and family.
Pricing is similar to traditional cremation, and the practice is now available in roughly half the states across the U.S.—a promising sign that eco-conscious options are becoming more accessible.
Green Burial
Another beautiful alternative is a green burial, a choice that honors both the individual and the planet. In this approach, the body is placed in biodegradable materials, such as a seagrass casket or natural-fiber shroud, and laid to rest without concrete vaults or plastic barriers.
It’s a simple, natural return to the earth that encourages the body’s organic decomposition. For many, a green burial feels like a peaceful, grounded way to say goodbye, one that reflects care for both loved ones and the environment.
According to the Green Burial Council, there are now certified providers in nearly every state, and costs are generally comparable to traditional burials.
Exploring these eco-friendly options reminded me that end-of-life choices don’t have to feel cold or clinical. They can be deeply personal, intentional, and even hopeful. Whether it’s returning to the earth through water or soil, these practices remind us that love, like nature, continues in cycles.
Mom would be proud.
