The Green Afterlife: Innovative Eco-Burial Practices for a Sustainable Future in Greece

Abstract

The intensifying climate crisis and the shortage of burial space make it necessary to reconsider traditional funeral practices. This study proposes a contemporary and environmentally sustainable green-burial model, based on the use of biodegradable mycelium coffins and the planting of memory trees that function as living memorials and symbols of regeneration. The proposal integrates ecological sensitivity, biotechnological innovation, and respect for cultural traditions, promoting harmony between humans and nature.The study draws on a review of literature and institutional frameworks, an environmental assessment of materials (mycelium-wood-soil), and a business design approach inspired by the Business Model Canvas. The findings indicate that the application of this model can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 70% compared to traditional burials, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity and fostering the creation of green memorial communities.The proposed system incorporates the principles of New Public Management (NPM), Good Governance, and international sustainability frameworks (ESG, SDG 11, 12, 15). In conclusion, green burial is not merely a technical innovation; it is an act of social and ecological renewal, capable of transforming memory into an active agent of sustainability and respect for life.