When you think about funerals, a picture of a traditional casket and burial comes to your mind. However, green burial is also gaining popularity nowadays. It is the choice of many people who want to have a more natural funeral.
In this article, we will delve into the details of green burials and discuss why you should consider them.
What is Green Burial?
Green burial is an intermittent option in which the body is buried without any metal casket or concrete vault. It is a method of deposition that prioritizes environmental sustainability and minimal impact.
Green burial refers to returning the body to the Earth, minimizing the use of resources. Even the headstone or markers used in this burial are also natural, such as flat stones, native plants, or trees. There are no traditional upright monuments, which reduces the overall environmental footprint associated with the death care.
Reasons Why You Should Consider a Natural Funeral
Are you planning a funeral and wondering why to opt for green burial? Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a natural funeral.
1. It is more Energy-Efficient
Green burial minimizes resource consumption and significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to other traditional practices. It lowers the environmental impact of funeral and death care.
Many people think cremation is a more sustainable option than a traditional full-service burial. But a crematorium still needs almost three litres of gas to incinerate the dead body. This large amount of gas is enough for heating an average home for about a whole day during the winter. That’s why it is not as energy-efficient as green burial.
2. No Chemicals or Gases are Involved
Traditional burial often involves embalming, which uses formaldehyde and other chemicals. But in the case of green burial, the dead body is not treated with any type of chemicals. Instead of this, refrigeration and other environmentally friendly practices are used to preserve the body if needed.
On the other hand, in the case of cremation, no chemicals are used, but harmful gases and compounds are released into the atmosphere. However, steps can be taken to reduce these emissions.
Unlike the other methods, green burial involves no chemicals or gases. It has a smaller carbon footprint and is a more environmentally friendly option. While carbon dioxide is still a byproduct of dead body composition in green burial, it remains underground and becomes a part of natural soil over time.
3. You Leave Behind a Green Legacy
The cremation rate is increasing rapidly, but many people who opt for this option are unaware of what to do with the cremated remains. Additionally, there is no cemetery legacy for the deceased.
However, by choosing green burial, you can leave behind a green legacy. It is an environmentally friendly method of allowing the dead body to return to the Earth naturally. The green burial ensures your remains are preserved. You can either plant a tree or opt for a complete natural burial, depending on your preferences.
