Green Funeral -- Green Burial
As someone who looks for ways to preserve the environment and conserve natural resources, you may be wondering what options currently exist for an eco-friendly or “green” burial. There are a surprising number of resources available to help you plan a green burial for yourself or someone you love. Let’s examine some of the ways environmentally conscious people are including their values in their final goodbyes.
Choose a “Green” Casket: Several casket manufacturers now offer products made from biodegradable materials. Here’s a resource for locating one of those companies: Green Burial Council. You’ll find numerous options for green funeral caskets, including those made of wood and reinforced paper products. The key is to find one that has the least environmental impact as it’s being manufactured and after it’s in the ground. Bury Me Naturally is a good starting part for exploring various green burial/casket options.
Forgo the Burial Vault: If you’ve already looked into buying burial plots, you know that many cemeteries require you to also purchase a vault. Basically, a vault is a cement box which holds the casket once it’s underground. There are no actual laws requiring you to be buried in a vault, so do some research on which cemeteries in your area allow “vaultless burial.”
Consider Cremation: Some green burial advocates believe there are still environmental issues attached to cremation because the process itself requires the burning of fossil fuels. It does, however, remove the environmental impact of placing a body in the ground as well as the need for a casket. If your religious practice and personal preferences allow cremation, consider it as an Earth-friendly option. As an added advantage, the cost of cremation is usually significant less than a traditiona funeral and burial.
Opt out of Embalming: It may surprise you to know that embalming isn’t required when someone passes away, especially if the funeral service is held soon after their passing. Eco-conscious people who prefer not to be embalmed in a solution that includes formaldehyde should look for a funeral home that will use refrigeration to preserve the remains, instead. If you choose not to be embalmed, make sure the person planning your service knows, because embalming is still the norm.
Leaving Out the Limos: An easy way to cut the carbon footprint of a funeral service is to have a graveside service only. In that way, limousines aren’t required to transport mourners from the church or funeral home to the gravesite. If you prefer a formal funeral service at another location, leave instructions to request that family members and friends ride together to the cemetery in as few vehicles as possible. A gently-worded phrase reminding those attending of your commitment to the environment is all that’s necessary.
The trend toward green burial practices is growing quickly in the US and other developed countries. Cemeteries, funeral homes and casket manufacturers are expanding the options available to consumers who want their passing handled in an eco-conscious way.
Such practices as not allowing artificial flowers (made with petroleum products) or manufactured headstones (in favor of natural rock markers) are being seen in certain cemeteries. As more and more people begin to demand an eco-friendly way to be buried, the funeral industry will also evolve.
Look into green burial practices in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask your preferred funeral home to explore what’s possible locally. With some careful planning, your final goodbye can be every bit as respectful to the environment as you were throughout your life.
