Sea burial is often considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional earth burial. But how do the ecological aspects actually stand?
No Land Use
One of the greatest ecological advantages of sea burial is the absence of land use:
- No permanent occupation of cemetery space
- No gravestone, no grave border
- No long-term land use for burial purposes
Especially in urban areas where cemetery space is scarce and expensive, this is a relevant aspect.
Biodegradable Urns
For sea burials, only biodegradable urns are permitted. The materials used:
- Dissolve completely in water
- Leave no residues
- Release no harmful substances into the sea
Approved materials include compressed sandstone, salts, unglazed clay, cellulose, and special bio-composites. More on the page Sea Urns.
No Lasting Environmental Impact
Compared to traditional earth burial, sea burial eliminates:
- Grave maintenance chemicals: No fertilizers, pesticides, or cleaning agents for gravestones.
- Material consumption: No coffin, no gravestone, no grave border made of stone or concrete.
- Transport: Fewer trips than regular cemetery visits over years.
Return to the Natural Cycle
In a sea burial, the ash remains become part of the marine ecosystem:
- The urn dissolves on the seabed
- The ashes are absorbed by the water
- The elements return to the natural material cycle
For many people, this thought – returning to nature – also has symbolic meaning.
Critical Consideration
A fair consideration of environmental aspects also requires looking at less favorable factors:
Cremation
A sea burial necessarily requires prior cremation. The cremation itself:
- Consumes energy (natural gas or electricity)
- Causes CO2 emissions
- Requires filter systems for exhaust air
Modern crematoria use heat recovery and strict filter systems to minimize the impact.
Ship Voyage
The journey to the burial site consumes fuel. With larger groups, this consumption per person is relativized.
Ash Composition
Cremation ash contains, besides calcium phosphate, traces of heavy metals (e.g., from dental fillings or implants). Scientific studies show, however, that the amounts are negligibly small and cause no measurable environmental impact.
Summary
Sea burial is a resource-saving alternative compared to traditional earth burial, especially regarding land use and long-term land occupation. However, cremation as a prerequisite means an energy expenditure that should be included in the overall balance.
Ultimately, the choice of burial form is a personal decision in which ecological, emotional, cultural, and practical aspects all play a role.
Further Information
- Sea Urns – Approved materials and dissolution process
- Legal Requirements – Permits and documents
- Sea Burial Process – The day of the ceremony