What is Green Burial?
Green or natural burial is a traditional form of burial that seeks to return the body to the earth, directly and simply, to nourish the earth and remain within the cycle of life. Green burial also minimizes negative environmental impact on the earth.
At a minimum, green burials do not use toxic embalming fluids to preserve the body, the burial site does not use cement vaults or grave liners, and the body is buried in a biodegradable container such as a pine or cardboard coffin or a cloth shroud.
Green burial grounds are typically woodland or meadow settings in their natural state, which do not require maintenance like paving, mowing, watering or the use of toxic herbicides or pesticides.
At best, green burials take place in a conservation cemetery where the land is restored and/or preserved in its most natural state and protected from development with a conservation easement.
Is Green Burial Right for You?
If you want your body to return to the earth naturally, and if you are concerned about the negative environmental effects of conventional burials and cremation, green burial may be the answer for you. Please see our FAQ page for the details about the negative environmental impacts of conventional burials.
Many people feel that cremation is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of their body. Indeed it is more economical and convenient than burial--conventional or green--but it also burns tremendous amounts of fossil fuel and generates CO2 emissions that may contain various pollutants such as mercury. Cremation also doesn't allow the body to nourish the earth with its remains.
When making your decision you should be aware of some of the problems associated with green burial, especially here in the north country. With the exception of the Chassell Township Cemetery, Cemeteries in the Keweenaw do not perform winter burials. The custom is to embalm the body and place it in cold storage for burial in the spring. If a body needs to be stored through the winter, one alternative would be to request the use of “green” embalming fluid which doesn’t contain formaldehyde.
Another possible limitation for families who choose green burial is that there are more time constraints than with conventional burial. A body can be preserved for three to five days using refrigeration or dry ice; any visitation of the body by loved ones would need to happen within that time frame.
If you are interested in green burial, it’s a good idea to talk with your family, friends and funeral director to make sure that they will be willing to help make your wishes happen. Please see our Green Burial Planner and our FAQ page.
Green or natural burial is a traditional form of burial that seeks to return the body to the earth, directly and simply, to nourish the earth and remain within the cycle of life. Green burial also minimizes negative environmental impact on the earth.
At a minimum, green burials do not use toxic embalming fluids to preserve the body, the burial site does not use cement vaults or grave liners, and the body is buried in a biodegradable container such as a pine or cardboard coffin or a cloth shroud.
Green burial grounds are typically woodland or meadow settings in their natural state, which do not require maintenance like paving, mowing, watering or the use of toxic herbicides or pesticides.
At best, green burials take place in a conservation cemetery where the land is restored and/or preserved in its most natural state and protected from development with a conservation easement.
Is Green Burial Right for You?
If you want your body to return to the earth naturally, and if you are concerned about the negative environmental effects of conventional burials and cremation, green burial may be the answer for you. Please see our FAQ page for the details about the negative environmental impacts of conventional burials.
Many people feel that cremation is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of their body. Indeed it is more economical and convenient than burial--conventional or green--but it also burns tremendous amounts of fossil fuel and generates CO2 emissions that may contain various pollutants such as mercury. Cremation also doesn't allow the body to nourish the earth with its remains.
When making your decision you should be aware of some of the problems associated with green burial, especially here in the north country. With the exception of the Chassell Township Cemetery, Cemeteries in the Keweenaw do not perform winter burials. The custom is to embalm the body and place it in cold storage for burial in the spring. If a body needs to be stored through the winter, one alternative would be to request the use of “green” embalming fluid which doesn’t contain formaldehyde.
Another possible limitation for families who choose green burial is that there are more time constraints than with conventional burial. A body can be preserved for three to five days using refrigeration or dry ice; any visitation of the body by loved ones would need to happen within that time frame.
If you are interested in green burial, it’s a good idea to talk with your family, friends and funeral director to make sure that they will be willing to help make your wishes happen. Please see our Green Burial Planner and our FAQ page.