 EnviroCitizen.org has found that there are many enticing reasons to choose green funerals. Green funerals not only promote a healthy Earth, but allow the deceased to become one with the earth in a peaceful, harmonious way. Green cemeteries do not allow embalming, traditional caskets or vaults eon their grounds, making the location completely natural. EnviroCitizen.org has taken the time to break down the effects of traditional funerals, green funerals and ways in which you can organize a green funeral.
Facts about traditional funerals :
- Many traditional cemeteries have few or no trees, promoting little natural wildlife.
- Traditional cemeteries also use excessive amounts of herbicides, which destroys what little positive wildlife inhabits the ceremony.
- Drainage problems often occur in traditional cemeteries, increasing the spread of toxins leading to water pollution.
Facts about green funerals :
- A natural, green cemetery can take place in natural environments and can promote native flora and fauna.
- Green cemeteries provide habitats for endemic birds and animals as well as native grasses, flowers and shrubs.
- Natural burials create fertilizer within the ground as bodies decompose.
By increasing conservation through green burials, green cemeteries can quickly save disappearing lands from encroaching developments. Green cemeteries ensure that no further development will be allowed on the land, and all future owners will be subject to the same stipulations. The land will be forever protected.
There are other ways to go green at funerals in addition to the type of burial ground chosen. Careful consideration should be paid in regards to the casket, embalming, vault, flower arrangements, etc.
Consider these additional tips :
- Select an eco-friendly casket made from highly renewable materials such as cardboard, bamboo, willow, etc. These range in price but are all wonderful, eco-friendly choices.
- Decide to avoid embalming. Embalming is relatively unnecessary if a closed casket is chosen and will lessen the chemical impact of the funeral on the environment. Embalming entails the replacing of the deceased’s bodily fluid with chemical preservatives. These chemicals are then introduced into the earth once the deceased begins to decompose, negatively impacting the environment.
- Skip the vault. Vaults are simply concrete or metal boxes that simply hold the casket once it is lowered into the ground. Vaults prevent the earth from settling after burial and delay the composition of the body into the earth.
EnviroCitizen.org hopes that this information regarding green funerals has answered many of your questions. As environmental awareness increases so do green alternatives for everything from funerals to weddings, gifts to home décor. We encourag you to continue researching ways in which you can support a healthier Earth. |
