What is a Green Burial?

What is a Green Burial?

Green burials are environmentally friendly burials, using biodegradable materials that naturally dissolve into the soil over time. This allows the body to return to the soil without the addition of potentially harmful embalming chemicals.

What is the History of Green Burials?

The history of green burials is as old as mankind. Before embalming fluids, bodies were laid to rest in the soil to gradually decompose over time nurturing the soil and all living things.

In fact, until relatively recent times, green burials was the most common burial in the world. Except for the ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations and some other cultures that relied on mummification to preserve prominent members of their societies. Even in these cultures, green burials were used for the vast majority of people.

During the Renaissance, scientific researchers began studying forms of embalming as a way to preserve organs for autopsy.  It was not until the nineteenth century that embalming became more popular. Families sought ways to preserve bodies of loved ones who died far from home.  Embalming was used simply as a way to preserve the body for transport back to the deceased's home for final interment.

Over time, embalming became the “norm” in many societies including the U.S. Many communities required embalming which was believed to prevent the spread of certain diseases after death, especially when viewing periods were prolonged.

Green burials have enjoyed a rise in popularity during the past half century. People want to reconnect with the earth and decrease their impact on the environment.

Modern green burial ceremonies are very similar to a traditional burial service but have the flexibility for you to opt out of it. It can be completely suited to the person who’s passed and the needs of you and your family.

The first step you should take is to find a cemetery that meets your needs. Green Burial Council offers a list of resources to find a green burial cemetery, products, as well as funeral homes.

Once you’ve done that. You can decide what you’d like to add to a Green Burial service. You may be able to provide flower seeds for attendees to spread on top of the site once the urn is interred. Some people use candles or release doves or butterflies during the ceremony.

Instead of flowers, ask friends and family to donate to nature charities or to provide bags of pet food to local animal shelters. Some green burial sites offer opportunities for donations to fund tree plantings, birdhouses or benches.

When selecting an urn for a green burial, obviously the first requirement is that it be biodegradable. Today, there are many biodegradable urns available.

Natural urns come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They incorporate features that reflect the deceased's own personal interests or reflect a nature theme.

There are box and pillow designs composed of 100 percent biodegradable materials. There are urns made of sweet grass and palm.  Small pod-shaped urns allow more than one person to be involved in placing the remains in the earth. Keepsake cremation urns allow you to memorialize your loved one for generations to come.

Containers designed for green burial are uniquely crafted to be as kind to the earth as possible. Minimizing the impact on the environment and avoiding the costs associated with embalming and traditional caskets.