 Making decisions for any funeral can be difficult, however, the increased awareness regarding environmental issues has brought about an increase in green options for everything—including funerals. There are many green funeral and green burial options that will not take a toll on the environment and can be organized easily, without any additional stress in comparison to a traditional funeral or burial. EnviroCitizen.org encourages you to consider a green final resting spot, not only is it a tranquil setting to bury the deceased, but it benefits rather than harms the environment !
Green cemeteries are an important consideration while planning a funeral. We are becoming more and more educated in t
he effects traditional funerals and burials can have on the environment. Many cemeteries have few or no trees, promoting little natural wildlife. Traditional cemeteries also use excessive amounts of herbicides, which destroys what little positive wildlife there is. Drainage problems often occur at traditional cemeteries, spreading the toxins that are being released into the ground which can lead to water pollution. Natural burials provide natural fertilizer to the ground as the body decomposes. The body once again becomes one with the earth in a peaceful and healthy manner.
Green cemeteries bury the deceased in the ground without the use or expense of vaults, traditional caskets, embalming chemicals, etc. This way, the body immediately communes with nature, releasing itself back into the earth without any negative effects.
With the careful planning and implementing of green cemeteries, large amounts of natural environment can be saved and preserved.
- 2.2 million acres were lost to development according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation report issued for 1997 through 2001.
- A natural, green cemetery can be located in a natural environment and can promote native flora and fauna.
- Green cemeteries provide habitats for indigenous birds and animals, also returning lands to their native grasses, flowers and shrubs.
By increasing conservation through green burials, green cemeteries can quickly save disappearing lands from encroaching developments. By creating and using green burial grounds, we can ensure that no further development will be allowed on the land, as all future owners of the land would be bound by the same requirements. The land will be forever protected.
Cremation is an option that many people are led to believe is better for the environment than ground burial. Emissions for cremation have been lowered in the last few years. This has been done by replacing older burners with double burners. The double burners still release many toxic chemicals, gases and elements into the air during cremation.
Things to consider :
- During cremation dioxin, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide are released.
- Even with cremation, a container must be chosen. If you do decide that cremation is your best option, attempt to purchase a simple, unlined coffin without chipboard or plastics.
EnviroCitizen.org wants you to know that a natural burial in a green cemetery is an affordable alternative to cremation or traditional burials. Families can choose beautiful green alternatives without contributing pollutants to the atmosphere, allowing the deceased to have a positive impact on the Earth for years after the burial.
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