Green Burial: What It Means and How It Works
Green burial, or natural burial, is an eco-conscious alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Its underlying philosophy is to treat death as a natural process, allowing the body to decompose and integrate into the earth with minimal environmental impact.
The Three Core Principles
The Green Burial Council certifies practices that adhere to these strict standards:
- No Toxic Embalming Fluids: Only non-toxic, biodegradable preservation methods (like refrigeration or dry ice) are used. Formaldehyde-based chemicals are strictly prohibited.
- Natural Containers: The body must be placed in a biodegradable shroud or a simple, untreated casket made of natural materials (bamboo, wicker, unvarnished pine). Metal and synthetic fabrics are forbidden.
- No Burial Vaults: Concrete grave liners or vaults are not used, ensuring direct contact between the body and the soil.
The Process
- Cemeteries: Green burials occur in either Natural Burial Grounds (land dedicated to conservation that looks like a nature preserve) or Hybrid Cemeteries (traditional cemeteries with a certified green section).
- Preparation: The funeral home manages the legal paperwork and prepares the body without chemicals.
- Interment: The body is placed in a shallow grave (about 3.5 to 4 feet deep) to allow for efficient decomposition, which is quicker than a deep, traditional grave.
Cost and Memorialization
- Cost Savings: Green burial is often less expensive than traditional burial because it eliminates the cost of embalming, the expensive casket, and the burial vault.
- Memorials: Large, ornate headstones are typically not allowed. The grave is often marked with a simple natural fieldstone, a plant, or by GPS coordinates to maintain the natural aesthetics of the land.
Green burial is chosen by those who prioritize a low-impact and sustainable final arrangement.