Green Burials
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 casket, or container, allowing the body to naturally return to the earth. Green burials offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones while protecting the natural environment.
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.
Green Burial Ideas
Green burials are increasingly popular for those seeking environmentally friendly funeral options. Here are a variety of ideas to explore:
- Caskets: Opt for a biodegradable casket made from natural materials like bamboo that decomposes without harming the environment. Wood caskets with minimal metal and unfinished wood are also suitable for green burials.
- Biodegradable Urns: Made from materials like bamboo, untreated wood, or unbleached pressed cotton, these urns naturally break down, enriching the soil.
Can I still have a funeral if I choose Green Burial?
Of course! Green Burial is a method of disposition. As such, green burial could follow a traditional church service with the body present or a memorial service with cremains present. You could also choose to have a green burial of the body followed by a Celebration of Life.
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. If choosing cremation ashes can be buried or scattered without extensive land use.
Choosing Green Burial Services at Downing & Lahey
At Downing & Lahey Mortuaries, we believe your commitment to the environment should extend beyond life into your legacy. Are happy to honor your choices by providing a green funeral and burial.
Explore helpful resources like the Green Burial Council and A Greener Funeral to learn more about these environmentally conscious choices.
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