Green Burial Options in Wichita, Kansas
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. 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 Kansas, where natural beauty stretches across open plains, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes, green burials offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones while protecting the environment. By choosing green burial, you contribute to the preservation of Kansas landscapes, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its prairies, wildlife, and wide open spaces.
What is a Green Burial Service?
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is a funeral option that aims to return the body to the earth as naturally as possible. Key considerations for a green burial include selecting biodegradable caskets or urns, and avoiding traditional vaults or grave liners. Some families opt for burial in designated natural burial grounds, while others may choose a natural setting where biodegradable containers can hold the ashes of their loved ones.
Benefits of Green Burials
Simplicity: Green burials focus on natural, unembellished returns to the earth.
Affordability: Green burials can be less expensive than traditional funerals.
Environmental Preservation: Green burials conserve resources, and leave a smaller ecological footprint.
Natural Resource Conservation: By avoiding metal caskets 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.
Family Involvement: At some green burial cemeteries, 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 casket or urns made of biodegradable materials ensures that nothing harmful is left behind, allowing nature to take its course.
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 or bamboo that decomposes without harming the environment.
Cardboard Containers: Cardboard caskets are a simple, affordable, and fully biodegradable alternative.
Biodegradable Urns: Made from materials like pressed cotton or wood, these urns naturally break down, enriching the soil.
Eco-Friendly Clothing: For a green burial, your loved one is dressed in simple, natural fiber clothing such as cotton, linen, wool, or bamboo. These materials biodegrade naturally.
Sea Burials: Biodegradable urns can be placed at sea where permitted, allowing ashes to return naturally to the marine environment as the urn dissolves over a short time.
States That Allow Green Burials
Many states across the U.S., including Kansas, 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 and state laws to determine what is permissible in your area.
States across the country have developed 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.
Green Burial and the Role of Ceremony
Choosing a green burial does not mean giving up the opportunity to gather and honor a life through ceremony. Families can still hold a meaningful funeral or memorial service before the burial, allowing loved ones to come together, share memories, and support one another during a difficult time.
These gatherings are an important part of the grieving process, offering a chance to celebrate a life lived while finding comfort in community. At Downing & Lahey, families can choose to hold a service at one of our facilities or at the final resting place, creating a thoughtful and personal tribute that reflects both their values and their loved one’s wishes. Even with a green burial, elements such as readings, music, prayers, and shared reflections can all be included to create a meaningful farewell.
Choosing Green Burial Services at Downing & Lahey
At Downing & Lahey, 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 Downing & Lahey Mortuaries and Crematory, 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.
Downing & Lahey Mortuaries is locally owned and operated by Tom Morris (fourth generation), Allison Morris Walden and Michael Morris (fifth generation), all Kansas-licensed funeral directors. Downing & Lahey is a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and can be reached at East (316) 682-4553 OR West (316) 773-4553.