Currently, an ever-growing number of Americans are considering forgoing traditional funeral options in favor of a green funeral when they pass. With so many people interested, what exactly are your eco-friendly options? Right now, two sustainable choices are green burial and eco-cremation, which both utilize natural ingredients and avoid toxic chemicals that hurt the earth. Read on to learn more about the benefits of natural burials and decide if they’re right for you!
What are green funerals?
Green funerals—also referred to as green burials—are a sustainable alternative to our funeral traditions. They provide a way to give back to the environment, be closer to nature, and offer a unique, serene environment for the visitation of memorialized loved ones.
According to the Green Burial Council, “green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction in carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and preservation of habitat.”
These types of burials are considered sustainable because they:
* Forego toxic embalming
* Do not utilize vaults
* Utilize biodegradable containers and shrouds
* Do not use fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides in the maintenance of the burial plots
* Encourage sustainable management practices
What is eco-friendly cremation?
One of the most prevalent processes used for green funerals is eco-friendly cremation.
A common form of this type of cremation is called alkaline hydrolysis (also known as water cremation), which arose in the mid-2000s. This process is considered green because it requires less energy, produces lower CO2 emissions, and does not require the utilization of fossil fuels.
With eco-friendly cremation, there are many options, from traditional urns to more sustainable alternatives. One of the most popular options is a forest burial, where at Life Forest, cremated remains are wrapped in an earth-friendly 100% wool shroud, which protects the young tree roots and allows for the remains and tree to be planted together on protected land, creating a living memorial that folks can visit. Other unique options include:
* Water urns
* Memorial reefs, and
* Being sent into space!
Is a green burial or eco-cremation right for you?
Not only do green options like green burial and eco-cremation help you do your part to preserve the environment, but there are many other benefits as well, such as:
Lower cost – Green burials and eco-cremation forgo expensive caskets and headstones in favor of more natural options, which can lower the cost by thousands of dollars.
Preserve natural areas – Green burials are often on deeded, protected land that ensures the preservation of beautiful forests and natural areas for future generations.
Conserving natural resources – When choosing eco-friendly end-of-life options, you are conserving natural resources by utilizing sustainable materials and reducing waste.
Eliminating use of hazardous chemicals – Foregoing the embalming process eliminates the use of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that leaches into the lands and waterways. If you are considering your final journey for yourself or a loved one, and want to learn more about eco-friendly options, contact us today!
