Healthline Wellness Wire

In a Nutshell

Death can be an overwhelming topic for people to talk — or even think — about. However, planning ahead for this inevitable experience may help bring you and your loved ones some peace of mind.

When we wrote about the ability to turn your body into a tree a couple of years ago, SO many of you emailed us to express your thanks and tell us that you were interested in alternatives to more traditional burial methods.

Today, we’re going to highlight a few more unconventional options you may not know of in hopes of sharing some more comforting information.

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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 29, 2026 • 3 min read

what’s got us buzzing

How to honor your memory in an unconventional way

I don’t need to tell you how devastating it can be to lose a loved one. On top of all the grief, pain, and sadness, there’s the need to plan — and afford — services.️

It can cost thousands of dollars to be buried in the United States between the funeral, headstone, casket, cemetery plot, and related expenses. A quick Google search shows that cremation, which some may assume is the more affordable option, can run up to $6,000 as well.️

Considering an alternative option could save your loved ones money, time, and stress. But most importantly, it can serve as a meaningful, values-driven way to honor your life, preserve your memory, or even benefit the environment.️

Some green death practices can reduce the amount of natural resources spent on more traditional methods! For example, biodegradable coffins made of cardboard may be a more Earth-friendly option over cutting down trees for wood caskets. Cremation also requires a significant amount of fuel and releases a variety of chemicals into the atmosphere, which can damage the environment. ️

If you’re wondering what else you can do with your body aside from cremation or plot burial, here’s a list of other memorial options:

Donation: You could donate your body to a medical institution, for science, or to save another life. Finding a cause that aligns with your values or interests can help you serve a larger purpose beyond your time.
Tree burials: Turn your ashes into a biodegradable urn or pod that can grow into a tree of your choice.
Human composting: Support your body’s decomposition into nourishing soil for the earth through biodegradable suits, coffins, or embalming services.
Jewelry or artwork: Incorporate your ashes into a ring, necklace, bracelet, or decorative keepsake like a paperweight, suncatcher, or sculpture.
Vinyl pressing: Your ashes can be pressed into a vinyl record, which can play music or sound recordings of your choice.

I hope this list brings you a sense of comfort, or maybe even helps relieve your fear of dying. If you’re interested in any of these ideas, I recommend researching which services are available and aligned with your preferences and needs.

I know when my time comes, I’ll want my ashes to grow into an oak tree, just like the one standing tall in my parents’ front yard that I used to sit under and admire as a kid. Then, maybe my future family will do the same with the tree that grows from my remains. Sounds like the perfect circle of life!️

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Thanks for reading. I hope today’s story brought you a sense of comfort. Now get out there and live!

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

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