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A growing trend in recent years is to choose natural, or green, funerals and burial sites. Many cemeteries are running out of room, people are growing more aware of the impact on the environment that the typical modern funeral yields, and as funeral and burial costs rise, natural funerals and burials are becoming more attractive to mainstream families.
In the United States, natural burials began in pioneer days. Natural wood or blankets were used, burial was on the family farm or along the trail if traveling to a new area, and quite often under a nearby tree providing a natural landscape for their loved one’s final resting place.
Modern Funerals
In modern times, funeral homes and cemeteries have pretty much become de rigueur as families provided a casket for their loved ones, funerals homes were usually open for several days and evenings for viewing, and then the funeral with burial followed at a cemetery. Then everyone gathered for refreshments and last conversation and condolences with the family.
What many had not considered over the years was the impact the typical funeral made on the land, not to mention on the pocket book of the family of the deceased. What many people do not realize is that caskets and vaults are not required by law, nor is embalming.
With natural burials, the site remains as natural as possible. A biodegradable casket, shroud, or favorite blanket is used. There are no embalming fluids or concrete vaults to harm the environment.
Ashes to Ashes
When people choose a site for a natural or green burial, they are allowing their loved one and everything surrounding the burial to return to the natural state. In nature, when anything dies, whether an insect, an animal, or a plant or tree, it returns to its natural state – ashes to ashes, dust to dust. All natural elements return to their natural state. It is an automatic recycling process created by nature.
When we think about the millions of acres of land lost to cemeteries that could have remained natural habitats for birds, animals, trees, and flowers, we can begin to see how powerful a living memorial we could leave by utilizing the natural burial option.
Not only does a natural burial help the environment, it is much less costly to the family. In addition, no embalming fluid is used, no pesticides or herbicides will destroy the natural habitation, and the natural evolution of the earth’s resources will continue.
Many people plant trees, shrubs, or flowers in memory of their loved one and that also adds to the surrounding environment.
A conservation easement is given to the family that ensures that no further development will be allowed on the land forever, even if the land is sold or donated. Once the easement is set in place, it is binding on all future owners of the property. Therefore, when you or your loved one is buried in a natural setting that is set aside for the purpose, the burial site will remain in place forever barring any natural disaster.
Burial Alternatives
Some have questioned whether cremation is an eco-friendly alternative, but air pollution issues arise using this process. Others have considered underwater burials as another, less expensive, alternative.
Natural burials in a green or natural cemetery are affordable and non polluting.
The Downside of Natural Burial
The negative to a natural burial is that there are limited choices as to where a person can be buried. Although more acreage is being set aside every year, the family may not find a location anywhere nearby.
For example, if a spouse has died and is in a local cemetery, and the surviving spouse wants to be buried in a natural setting, they may end up out of state. If they have already paid for their burial site, that is another consideration.
Plus, it is difficult for many to break with tradition. The thought of being buried without a coffin could horrify some people.
The Natural Next Step for a Green Burial
If you are interested in a natural or green burial, discuss your concerns and desires with your family so they do not have to make such decisions during the stressful time after your death.
Have your desires written down where family members have easy access, such as with your will or in a lock box where you keep the rest of your important papers. That way, everyone understands where you want to be buried, if you want visitation or a service prior to burial, or you prefer a simple graveside ceremony.
You can read more about green burials by visiting the following website: Green Burials. They even provide a list of green cemeteries in the United States.
Have you considered a green or natural burial? Would you have any concerns about such a burial?
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Mary // Aug 21, 2009 at 11:14 am
I had no clue that there are green burial sites. Very interesting concept. I agree about dust to dust.
2 Edie // Aug 27, 2009 at 10:55 am
I think it would be wonderful to know that my final resting place was a beautiful scenic location. Actually, I’ve already decided and it has to do with water – after all I am an Aquarian!