What Is a Green Burial
Green burial is a type of burial designed to have a minimal environmental impact and conserve natural resources. Also called natural burial or eco-friendly burial, green burial emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. In a typical green burial, the body is not prepared with chemicals (embalmed), or buried in a metal casket or concrete vault. It is simply placed in a biodegradable container and interred in a gravesite to return to nature.
The characteristics of a green funeral will vary, but most share several similarities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life arrangements. Here are some of the reasons why people choose Green Burials, but not limited to:
- Personal beliefs and values
- Love of Nature
- Economic Factors
- Environmental Sustainability & Responsibility
- Historical rituals and beliefs
Most Green Burial Grounds or Cemeteries have specific characteristics as well that add to the peace of mind when choosing this type of burial.
They are:
- Foregoes toxic embalming
- Does away with vaults and metal caskets
- Chooses biodegradable containers, caskets, shrouds, and urns
- Discontinues herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers
- Encourages sustainable management practices
- May support land conservation efforts