🐘 The Elephant in the Room: How Virtual Funerals Reduce Carbon Emissions

Tonya Kraning
May 19
2 min read

When we think of funerals, we think of family, memory, and tribute—not carbon emissions.

But every time friends and relatives gather for a service, there’s a hidden environmental cost: travel.

In the U.S., guests typically drive or fly hundreds of miles to attend a funeral. And while that journey may feel essential, it's worth asking: What if there’s a better way to honor loved ones—one that includes everyone, but impacts less?

The Real Cost of Showing Up

A 200-mile round-trip drive to a funeral emits roughly 0.18 metric tons of CO₂ per person.
A 1,000-mile round-trip flight emits about 0.5 metric tons of CO₂ per traveler.

If just 20 people attend virtually instead of flying, that’s 10 metric tons of CO₂ avoided.

To visualize that:

🐘 It’s like saving the weight of 1.5 adult elephants in carbon emissions.
🏠 It’s equivalent to the entire annual emissions of a typical U.S. home.
🍔 Or 37,000 cheeseburgers, if you prefer your climate math in fast food terms.

Add in another 30 guests who choose not to drive, and the savings multiply.

The Case for Virtual Visitation

Virtual funerals aren't just for convenience—they're an answer to a growing desire for inclusive, sustainable memorial options. They offer:

Connection without carbon – Everyone can attend, regardless of distance or health limitations.
Lower operational impact – Less energy use, printing, and facility strain.
Meaningful memorials – From tribute videos to interactive guestbooks, the digital experience can be deeply personal.

Many families now see virtual services not as second best—but as more thoughtful, more inclusive, and yes, more sustainable. Memorial Walls Virtual Visitation Package not only satisfies the public and the environment calls for sustainability, but also offers a new revenue stream for your business.

Funeral Homes Can Lead the Way

Forward-thinking funeral homes are already embracing this shift. By offering remote attendance, you:

Serve more families without increasing overhead
Stand out with eco-conscious options
Help reduce 10–20 metric tons of CO₂ per service, just from avoided travel
Align with growing state climate goals and green consumer values

At scale, the funeral industry has an opportunity to become a quiet but powerful part of the climate solution.

Goodbye Doesn’t Have to Leave a Footprint

Grief is personal. Gathering is sacred. And honoring a life should never come at the expense of our future.

Virtual visitation allows families to say goodbye in a way that’s inclusive, accessible—and light on the Earth.

If your funeral home is ready to serve the next generation of families—those who care about the planet as much as they care about tradition—we can help.

👉 Contact us today to learn how to integrate remote services into your offerings and join the movement toward modern, sustainable remembrance. jason@memorialwalls.net (864) 313-4477