If you care about protecting the environment, your values don’t have to stop with your lifetime—they can carry on through your estate plan. More and more individuals are choosing to make environmentally conscious decisions when planning their legacy.
If you want to remain “green” while planning your estate, there are several thoughtful and practical ways to do so.
Burial or cremation plans
One of the most common eco-friendly estate planning choices is opting for green burial or cremation. Traditional burials often involve embalming fluids, metal caskets and concrete vaults, which can have a lasting environmental impact. Green burial alternatives use biodegradable materials and avoid toxic chemicals, allowing the body to return naturally to the earth. Cremation, particularly when done using newer, energy-efficient methods like alkaline hydrolysis, may also reduce your carbon footprint.
Supporting green causes
You can also structure your estate plan to support environmental causes. This might include leaving donations to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, climate change, animal welfare or sustainability. Charitable giving through your will or a trust can provide long-term support to the causes you care about while potentially reducing estate taxes. You may also consider setting up a donor-advised fund or creating a charitable remainder trust to benefit both your heirs and the planet.
Digital approaches
Digital estate planning is also gaining traction as an environmentally conscious choice. By minimizing paper documents and storing important information securely online, you can reduce waste and make it easier for your loved ones to access your wishes. Many law firms now offer electronic storage of estate documents as part of their services.
Ultimately, green estate planning is about aligning your legacy with your values. Being thoughtful now can make a meaningful difference down the road.
