Funerals in America are typically characterized by rigorous embalming, an expensive casket complete with a vault and lots of flowers, among other add-ons—things which make dying such a costly affair. But for those who prefer simple, straightforward funerals with little to no embellishments, the next best alternative other than cremation is the natural or green burial.

Green burials are the easiest, cheapest, and quickest funeral solutions that most people with a thing for Mother Earth and a passion for simplicity prefer over the traditional expensive interment option. While the specifics may vary, the requirements and resources for green burials remain relatively low. 

Usually, the traditional steps are skipped to save costs and preserve the environment. This practice is mostly popular among proponents of the green movement keen to cut their carbon footprint even in death. A recent survey by the National Funeral Directors Association reports that nearly 54 percent of Americans prefer green burials, while 72 percent of cemeteries report increased demand for the same.

While planning for your funeral may not be at the top of your current list of plans, and while no one imagines dying in the near future, you may be curious about what green burials entail. In this brief piece, we address the basics of green or natural burials and what goes into planning them. 

So, What Is A Green Burial?

A green burial, often called a natural burial, is interring remains directly into the earth with little to no embellishments. It means foregoing traditional funeral steps like chemical embalming, using biodegradable burial containers instead of a casket or vault, and, most importantly, preserving and protecting natural habitat. The goal is to limit waste while nourishing the local ecosystem.

With green burials, remains are directly transferred to a natural grave covered in a shroud or cardboard box. This is also an economical alternative, considering the cost of a traditional funeral can be upward of $10,000, not to mention its adverse environmental effects. Are you considering a green burial for yourself or your loved one? Here's what you need to know. 

The 5 Basic Elements of Natural Burials 

The primary focus for these funerals is preserving the deceased using natural materials. Here are the five elements that define an eco-friendly funeral.

1. There's No embalming

In a traditional funeral, embalming entails draining the body of its natural fluids and infusing it with industry-approved chemicals to preserve the internal organs and make the deceased presentable for public viewing during the funeral service. These chemicals help delay decomposition as much as possible.

However, since they're man-made industrial products, their environmental impact does not align with the principles of the green movement. In a green burial, the body is preserved without embalming chemical agents, and decomposition is regarded as a natural process through which the body returns to the earth. 

2. The Body Is Buried Directly Into The Earth 

With a natural burial, there's no fancy casket, protective grave vault, or the usual vanities that characterize most funerals. Instead, the remains are wrapped in a shroud (usually biodegradable) and buried in the ground. Silk, linen and cotton shrouds are highly recommended, although some prefer locally sourced biodegradable cardboard coffins.

Others prefer traditional wicker caskets, the most popular eco-friendly, natural, and simple burial containers perfect for green funerals. Not to mention that they are relatively cheaper and aesthetically appealing. You may also opt for locally sourced degradable caskets minus outside grave liners. 

3. There Will Be No Communal Memorialization

At the core of green burials is simplicity and environmental protection, which must be observed by all means. This means that you cannot have your individual memorials or decorations on the grave. Instead, the cemetery may provide natural memorial plaques (usually made of granite) where you can inscribe details of your loved one, complete with a short epitaph. Most cemeteries do this to maintain the grounds as living memorials.

4. Zero Contact With Formaldehyde

Most embalming fluids used by funeral homes are formaldehyde-based. While it is a naturally occurring chemical, the EPA classifies it as a carcinogenic product, leading to concerns over its long-term effects. To this end, most funeral homes use biodegradable, non-formaldehyde embalming fluids.

Other options that slow the decomposition process are refrigeration and dry ice. If you're considering a 100% green burial, these are the most eco-friendly preservation options you will have, meaning zero contact with formaldehyde-based embalming fluid. It's advisable to discuss your preferences with the funeral home when planning a green funeral, especially if there will be a public viewing. 

5. Only Biodegradable Materials Will Be Used

Most eco-friendly burials are conducted at designated green burial cemeteries or memorial woodlands with minimal landscaping and infrastructure. Instead of interring bodies in pre-selected or reserved plots, they utilize the next available space to ensure minimal disruptions to the land and maintain its natural state. 

Memorial grounds. 

In addition, they require biodegradable burial materials. That also means no using ornate marble for headstones. Instead, you can mark your loved one's grave with natural monuments such as stones and plants or use GPS coordinates for easy identification.

Contact A Green Funeral Home and a Green Cemetery Near You

Funeral planning is a delicate process that involves making informed decisions. Whether you are planning a pre-need, at-need or imminent-need funeral, you need professional guidance to ensure each decision aligns with your wishes or the wishes of your loved one. With a green burial, you must understand each step, including all the legal requirements. 

It's best to work with a funeral home that specializes in natural funerals with a focus on eco-friendly practices. They're better placed to recommend eco-friendly funeral supplies and burial grounds. If you're considering a green burial for you or your loved one, these five elements are a good starting point.

Also, feel free to browse Keys2Eternity’s comprehensive directory of funeral homes and cemeteries in your area. We also have florists and monument vendors who can tailor their products to meet your green burial needs.