You may be hearing more and more about green funerals, but what exactly are they? What are the benefits of a green funeral, and how do they benefit the planet? What are the costs and benefits of such a funeral? Should you consider a green funeral when pre-planning your final arrangements? Here’s what you should know about green funerals.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial is one that uses environmentally friendly practices that minimize negative impacts on the planet. Chemicals are not used for embalming, caskets may be replaced with a biodegradable shroud, and the use of concrete vaults is avoided.
Green burials often take place in natural cemeteries or conservation burial grounds.
What Are the Benefits of a Green Funeral?
Green burials are beneficial on many levels. They avoid wasting resources and minimize the use of chemicals. They maximize the safe use of land, and they can also be cost-effective.
Cost Benefits of Green Burials
Green burials can also be cost-effective. There are savings due to:
- Avoiding the use of a casket
- Not utilizing a concrete vault
- No embalming
- Motorcades are often avoided
- Land use is minimized
Right Thing to Do?
Many individuals and families will select a green funeral and burial because they simply feel it is the right thing to do. It is one final way they can demonstrate their respect for a planet that has served as their home. It can also serve as an example for others.
Other Green Considerations
There are also other factors that can lend themselves to a greener funeral service.
- Encouraging the use of streaming services to minimize travel
- Requesting memorials for environmentally friendly causes
- Avoiding the use of printed materials
A Word about Embalming
Many believe that embalming may be required, but it is largely cosmetic. Bodies can often be preserved using alternative methods like refrigeration, cooling blankets, dry ice, and other methods to preserve the body for viewing.
Contact Us with Your Questions
If you would like to know more about green burials, get answers to your questions, and get assistance in planning an environmentally friendly funeral, please feel free to contact us. With over 125 years of caring experience, we would be honored to serve you. Contact us at your convenience.
Post a comment