Typical final disposition methods include an expensive casket, elaborate funeral flowers, preparation of the body, embalming procedures, a grave for burial services, or an urn and niche combo for cremation services. Because of these accouterments’ high prices, people opt to pare down with a more savvy option called the green burial, which requires fewer resources.

The best part, since this alternative approach omits certain steps, it is generally more affordable and earth-friendly. Now that people are becoming more conscious of the planet and aware of their choices, most opt for sustainable solutions that reduce the carbon footprint. Though death planning may not be at the top of your priority, finding more about green burial will not hurt. After all, knowledge is power.

What does green burial entail?

A green burial is also often dubbed as a natural burial. It forgoes embalming fluid, caskets, and other non-biodegradable materials that are damaging to the planet. Usually, the body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals. It is placed in a natural biodegradable coffin or shroud. This approach is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices because it minimizes environmental impact, reducing waste, and using harmful substances.

Today, many have become more conscious of environmental degradation, so they make conscious decisions to engage in eco-friendly practices to mitigate rapid climate change. If you are interested in leaving zero-impact, you can rest assured that your body will return to its natural state responsibly with green burial. The goal of this unique final disposition method is for the body to decompose and return to the soil naturally. Some say that this safe process is even nurturing for the earth.

Why should I choose this method?

Green burials are not a novel concept. In ancient times, most burials were conducted in this manner. In fact, many Jewish and Muslim burials have been green since time immemorial. For instance, the Islamic faith requires that their dead be buried as quickly as possible. There is no wake or embalming, so the family immediately wash the remains and cover it with a white sheet for burial.

Currently, green burials are back in vogue because of the following reasons:

• Very simple: Wrapping the body in a simple shroud or placing it in a cardboard or wicker coffin appeals to many who like to keep things fuss-free. There is no need for any fancy coffins, making this choice unpretentious and all-natural.
• More affordable: Because you dispense of embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and expensive caskets, you pay less. Choosing this cost-efficient method means you can drop the funeral costs by thousands of dollars. For a grieving family that faces income loss becomes a loved one’s demise, this amount makes a significant difference.
• Saves natural resources: Traditional funerals use a lot of hardwood, steel, copper, and concrete for various purposes. These resources take time to produce, with each process leaving its impact on the earth. If you want to save on resources, a green burial is a more environmentally-conscious choice.
• Eliminates harmful substances: When you opt for a green burial, you cease using hazardous chemicals. Embalming fluid contains massive amounts of formaldehyde. This is a respiratory trigger that can cause breathing problems. It is also a known toxic carcinogen (or cancer-causing agent). Going green means you do not expose workers to this element.
• Preserves natural areas: Some people choose this method because they love nature. They want to achieve true eternal rest in a forest or meadow. Most green burial sites choose a natural landscape with abundant native trees, flowers, and shrubs. When you make this responsible choice, you make great gains in conserving nature.

Where to bury the remains?

Ideally, you will bury the body in a green cemetery that promotes natural landscape

preservation. Usually, these green cemeteries have more stringent requirements than traditional ones. Most prohibit personal plantings and the placement of memorial decorations because the goal is to conserve the habitat and wildlife.

However, if there is no green burial facility near you, you can choose to make your burial greener by opting to eliminate embalming and choosing a biodegradable casket or shroud. You can then opt to go for cremation or choose to get buried in a traditional plot. Some people want to go ultra-green, so they opt for burial in a family-owned rural property. If you perform the latter, just make sure to check the municipality’s zoning requirements to ensure you do not violate any regulations.

Final Word

If you are looking for a simple, affordable, and more environmentally-sustainable final disposition method, choosing a green burial is the right one for you. This will soothe your conscience as it is a more simple send-off that protects mother earth. That being said, those that opt for more traditional methods also deserve to have their choice. No matter what approach you choose, the primary goal is to enter the body with honor and respect, so the departed soul can truly rest in peace.