Green Burial
Green Burial at Walker Cremations, Funerals, and Gatherings
Green burial, also known as “natural burial,” is an environmentally conscious option that emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. Instead of using a traditional burial vault, casket or urn the loved one is laid to rest in a biodegradable coffin, casket, or shroud, allowing the body to naturally return to the earth. This method is gaining popularity among those who seek to reduce their environmental footprint and also emphasizes returning to the earth without unnecessary interference.
In Maine, where the beauty of nature is cherished, green burials offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones while protecting the natural environment. By choosing green burial, you contribute to the preservation of Maine’s landscapes, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its pristine forests, wildlife, and coastlines.
Benefits of Green Burial:
- Family Involvement: Families may participate in the process by helping lower the body into the grave or planting native flora over the burial site, creating a personal, lasting memorial.
- Eco-Friendly: The use of biodegradable materials such as caskets, shrouds, or urns ensures that nothing harmful is left behind, allowing nature to take its course.
- Natural Decomposition: By avoiding chemical embalming, green burial helps reduce the introduction of toxins into the soil and supports natural decomposition, promoting healthier ecosystems.
What is a Green Burial Service?
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is a funeral option that avoids the use of embalming fluids or other chemicals to preserve the body. These services aim to return the body to the earth as naturally as possible. Key considerations for a green burial include selecting biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or urns, and avoiding traditional vaults or grave liners. Some families opt for burial in designated natural burial grounds, while others may choose a forested location where biodegradable containers can hold the ashes of their loved ones.
Green Burial Ideas
Green burials are increasingly popular for those seeking environmentally friendly funeral options. Here are a variety of ideas to explore:
Wooden Caskets: Opt for a biodegradable casket made from natural materials like wood that decomposes without harming the environment.
Cardboard Containers: Cardboard caskets are a simple, affordable, and fully biodegradable alternative.
Biodegradable Urns: Made from materials like cornstarch or wood, these urns naturally break down, enriching the soil.
Body Composting: Human composting transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil that can nourish plants and ecosystems.
Water Cremation (Aquamation): Using alkaline hydrolysis, this eco-friendly process gently reduces the body to its natural elements without the emissions associated with flame-based cremation.
Shrouds: Natural fiber shrouds, such as cotton or linen, can wrap the body for burial without the need for a coffin.
Sky Burials: In this ancient practice, the body is placed on a mountaintop to feed birds and other wildlife, offering a sustainable and symbolic return to nature.
Sea Burials: Biodegradable caskets can be weighted and buried at sea, enriching marine ecosystems as they decompose.
Tree Pods (Capsula Mundi): Burial pods that double as seed carriers allow a tree to grow from the remains, creating a living memorial.
States That Allow Green Burials
Many states across the U.S. permit green burials, though specific regulations can vary. Some states encourage environmentally conscious practices, such as using untreated natural materials or avoiding embalming. Research local laws to determine what is permissible in your area.
Oregon led the way with laws governing green burials, while New York has issued guidelines emphasizing natural practices. These regulations ensure green burials comply with environmental standards and offer meaningful alternatives to traditional methods.
Why More Americans Are Choosing Green Funerals
As funeral preferences shift, green funerals are becoming more common. Americans are moving away from traditional religious services, with many seeking more personal and eco-friendly ways to say goodbye.
Key features of a green funeral include minimal embalming or none at all, biodegradable materials, and environmentally conscious practices. Cremation is often preferred for its reduced carbon footprint, and ashes can be buried or scattered without extensive land use.
The Green Burial Council notes that cremations produce fewer emissions than conventional burials, and many families appreciate the simplicity and sustainability of this choice.
Benefits of Green Burials
Simplicity: Green burials eliminate elaborate ceremonies, focusing on natural, unembellished returns to the earth.
Affordability: With costs starting at $2,000, green burials are often far less expensive than the $10,000 average for traditional funerals.
Environmental Preservation: Green burials conserve resources, avoid hazardous chemicals, and leave a smaller ecological footprint.
Natural Resource Conservation: By avoiding metal caskets, embalming fluids, and vaults, green burials reduce the strain on natural resources.
Natural Area Protection: These practices often support land conservation efforts, preserving natural landscapes for generations to come.
Choosing Green Burial Services at Walker
At Walker, we believe your commitment to the environment should extend beyond life into your legacy. We offer various options for green funerals and burials, tailored to your values.
Explore helpful resources like the Green Burial Council and A Greener Funeral to learn more about these environmentally conscious choices.
Contact our compassionate staff to discuss how we can help plan a green Celebration of Life service for you or your loved one. Together, we can honor a life well-lived while caring for the planet.
At Walker Cremations, Funerals, and Gatherings, we are proud to offer green burial as part of our commitment to sustainable and compassionate end-of-life care. Whether you seek a simple, natural return to the earth or wish to reflect your values of environmental stewardship, our green burial options are tailored to meet your needs.
Their team are always so kind, patient and helpful. A professional funeral home with a personal touch that makes you and your loved ones cared for.