The New Green Goodbyes: Exploring Sustainable Memorial Practices in the Philippines
Around the world, families are rethinking how they say goodbye—looking for memorial options that honor their loved ones and protect the planet. The global shift toward sustainable memorial practices has introduced new ways to reduce carbon emissions, minimize toxic chemicals, and restore the earth after death. While Forest Lake Memorial Parks does not yet offer these sustainable practices, we are actively exploring them and are committed to being at the forefront of eco-friendly innovations in the memorial industry. In a recent Market Edge interview, our President and CEO urged policymakers to update regulations so the Philippines can begin adopting greener options:Gov’t urged to update rules to allow eco-friendly burials – ABS-CBN News Why Green Memorials Matter Traditional burials and cremations, though long-established, have notable environmental costs. Embalming fluids contain formaldehyde and other chemicals that can leach into soil; hardwood and metal caskets are resource-intensive; and cremation consumes high energy and releases carbon dioxide and mercury. Eco-friendly memorials aim to reverse this impact through methods that: These options provide families with meaningful ways to align personal values of sustainability and care with their final legacy. 1. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis or Water Cremation) How it works:Aquamation uses a combination of water, heat, pressure, and alkaline salts (usually potassium hydroxide) to accelerate the body’s natural decomposition. The body is placed in a stainless-steel chamber filled with about 95% water and 5% alkali. Over four to six hours, gentle heat (around 160°C) breaks down organic matter, leaving only mineral bone ash and a sterile liquid composed mostly of amino acids, sugars, and salts. Environmental benefits: Cost and availability:Internationally, aquamation costs are similar to or slightly lower than flame cremation, depending on regulation and location. It is legal in several countries, including Canada, the U.S., South Africa, and parts of Europe. In Asia, it is gaining recognition but awaits policy approval in most regions. In the Philippines, aquamation is being discussed by industry leaders like Forest Lake as a viable, environmentally responsible alternative once regulatory frameworks are in place. 2. Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction) How it works:The body is placed in a reusable vessel filled with wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Controlled heat, airflow, and moisture promote microbial activity—the same natural process that turns organic waste into compost. Within 30 to 45 days, the remains are transformed into nutrient-rich soil that can be safely returned to the earth. Environmental benefits: Cost and availability:In the U.S., services like Recompose and Return Home charge between USD 4,000–7,000, comparable to cremation. Fourteen states—including Washington, California, and New York—now allow it.In the Philippines, this technology has yet to be legalized, but its natural principles could inspire future eco-burial legislation and research.Learn more: Recompose 3. Green and Conservation Burial How it works:Green burials eliminate embalming and avoid concrete vaults or steel caskets. The deceased is buried in a biodegradable shroud or coffin made from bamboo, rattan, pine, or cloth. The grave is dug shallowly to allow natural decomposition and microbial interaction. Conservation burials take this further: cemeteries become protected natural reserves where burials fund land restoration and conservation projects. Families can plant trees or native vegetation in remembrance, transforming cemeteries into living forests. Environmental benefits: Availability:The U.K., U.S., and parts of Europe have well-established green cemeteries certified by the Green Burial Council (GBC). In the Philippines, similar models could thrive in rural or underutilized areas, where land conservation aligns with cultural respect for nature. 4. Mushroom and Mycelium Burial How it works:This emerging practice uses mycelium—the root network of fungi—to decompose the body while neutralizing toxins that accumulate in human tissue. The Infinity Burial Suit by Coeio is a full-body garment woven with fungal spores that activate upon contact with moisture and heat. The process completes within months, returning nutrients safely to the soil. Environmental benefits: Cost and availability:The Infinity Burial Suit costs around USD 1,500 and is approved for use in many U.S. green cemeteries. In Southeast Asia, access is limited, but biodegradable casket alternatives could offer similar environmental benefits. 5. Biodegradable Urns and Water Memorials How it works:These urns are made from organic materials like paper, salt, sand, or gelatin that naturally dissolve in soil or water. Families can bury them to grow a memorial tree, or release them at sea, where they disintegrate without polluting the marine environment. Environmental benefits: Cost and availability:Biodegradable urns range from PHP 1,500–5,000 depending on design and material. They can already be imported into the Philippines and used in coordination with local cremation services.Learn more: EPA Burial at Sea Guidelines 6. Memorial Reefs How it works:Cremated remains are mixed with marine-safe concrete to form artificial reef structures that are submerged in approved ocean zones. These structures attract coral and fish, helping rebuild damaged ecosystems. Families can visit the memorial site via diving or GPS-located markers. Environmental benefits: Considerations:Because it still involves cremation (a carbon-emitting process), this option is not entirely carbon-neutral, but it offers positive ecological offsets by enhancing biodiversity.Learn more: Eternal Reefs Sustainable Memorial Practices in the Philippines At present, Philippine laws focus primarily on traditional interment and cremation. However, industry leaders and environmental advocates are calling for updates to these rules to enable the introduction of aquamation, composting, and natural burials. As our CEO shared with Market Edge, “We want to create a future where memorial care respects both the memory of our loved ones and the environment they leave behind.” Forest Lake fully supports this movement and is preparing to pioneer such options once regulations allow. Forest Lake’s Commitment to a Greener Tomorrow As the country’s leading memorial park developer, Forest Lake Memorial Parks is committed to driving the evolution of memorial care. While traditional burials and cremations remain the standard, we are investing in research, dialogue, and partnerships to make sustainable practices possible in the near future. Through Total Memorial Care, we envision a Philippines where every park becomes a living space that celebrates life, legacy, and sustainability—making remembrance truly a better place for both people and the planet. Further Reading