 There are many ways to organize an organic funeral. With minimal changes, a funeral’s impact on the environment can be severely lessened. EnviroCitizen.org would like to present you with some alternatives to traditional funeral choices, allowing you to take part in an organic funeral that will have a positive (rather than negative) impact on the Earth.
When it comes to the burial, there are many organic options available. The most important thing to keep in mind, is to purchase and choose organic. There are two options for the deceased: cremation or ground burial. With small modifications, both can be made to be organic choices if the right materials and practices are chosen. It is important to avoid embalming with either cremations or burials. The embalming process includes the removal of all bodily fluids and the introduction of chemical preservatives to the body. This makes the body presentable for open casket viewings and funerals, but is very bad for environment.
Cremation has not always been believed to be incredibly eco-friendly. However, in the last few years, crematoriums have made a special effort to lower their emissions. In fact, studies are coming out that believe cremation becoming a much more environmental choice. In comparison to traditional burials, cremation results in less pollution as the remains are not typically introduced into the environment after.
While cremation is growing in popularity, it is not the majority choice. If you choose a ground burial, consider choosing an organic cemetery. Green burial grounds are becoming very popular, and with a little research can be easily found. Sustainable or organic burial grounds do not often allow the use of vaults. Vaults are simply concrete or metal boxes that contain the casket once it is lowered into the ground. The vault works in many ways, protecting the casket and preventing the ground from settling. The cemetery usually makes the decision whether or not to become certified to allow vaults or to not allow them, but families can specifically choose a cemetery where vaults are optional depending on their personal preference. Should you choose a green cemetery, you will also have to choose an organic casket. Organic caskets come in many forms and with varying price tags (bamboo, recycle cardboard, willow, etc.)—cardboard caskets being the cheapest as they average around $50. These organic caskets decompose with the body and do not pose a risk to the environment.
EnviroCitizen.org has provided some of the many organic funeral options available to you. We encourage you to continue to research your choices and perhaps consider some of the organic funeral supplies we have to offer.
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