As environmental awareness grows, more individuals are seeking ways to align their legacy with their values. One emerging approach is green estate planning—an estate planning strategy that incorporates environmentally conscious choices into the disposition of assets, burial preferences, charitable giving and long-term stewardship of land and resources. Green estate planning allows clients to reduce environmental impact while still addressing the essential legal and financial aspects of passing on wealth.
Traditional estate planning tends to focus on property distribution, tax minimization and asset protection. Green estate planning builds on this foundation by encouraging clients to think more intentionally about the environmental impact of those decisions. For instance, individuals who own land or natural resources may use conservation easements or land trusts to better ensure that their property is protected from development and maintained in its natural state.
Charitable giving with an environmental focus
Green estate plans often include charitable gifts to environmental organizations, either through direct bequests, charitable remainder trusts or donor-advised funds. These gifts can support causes such as climate change mitigation, wildlife conservation, clean water access and sustainable agriculture. Structuring these gifts strategically can also reduce the taxable estate and offer income tax benefits during the donor’s lifetime.
Digital and paperless practices
A green approach to estate planning can extend even to the planning process itself. Clients and law firms committed to sustainability may choose digital documents, secure cloud storage and electronic communications to minimize paper waste and reduce their carbon footprint. It is important to engage in thoughtful digital estate planning in this regard as well.
A thoughtful legacy
Green estate planning is about more than just asset distribution—it is about creating a legacy that reflects a lifelong commitment to sustainability, conservation and mindful stewardship. For those who view environmental responsibility as a core value, working with a skilled legal team that understands these priorities can be particularly helpful. With the right legal tools and guidance, clients can shape an estate plan that not only protects their loved ones but also honors and preserves the world they leave behind.