Traditional burials can have a long-term environmental impact and in some areas of the country, space is limited. This has led to new ways of thinking about burial options. If you're interested in learning more about a "green," or environmentally friendly funeral and burial plan, this article can help you get started! It's important to note that requesting a "green" funeral or burial doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. Here are the various options that are available to help you make an informed decision as you're creating final plans for yourself or a family member.

Benefits of Eco-Conscious Burials

Selecting an environmentally-friendly option for your burial doesn't mean you have to forget all about traditions. There are many ways that you can follow family traditions while showing your respect for the Earth. Natural burial methods were used for thousands of years and are still the norm around the world. In the U.S., these burial methods are seen as a way to reduce your overall carbon footprint and reduce the commercialization of funerals at the same time. Eco-conscious burials are often less expensive than traditional burials, as they reduce the need for expensive caskets and entombment. Copper, bronze and hardwood are being reduced from the Earth at a significant rate, and much of that is being used to protect corpses that have been buried. With a green burial, you're also deciding not to be embalmed, which reduces the amount of dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde that are released into the ground and waterways with each body that receives this treatment.

"Green" Versus "Natural" Burial

While both of these options are alternatives to a traditional burial, there are significant differences between a "green" burial and a "natural" one. With a natural burial, gravesites are dug by hand, and everything is focused on having a minimal impact on the environment. Bodies are left to decompose naturally, clad in only a shroud or biodegradable casket. A green burial is similar but has the additional requirements that none of the bodies buried in that section of the cemetery can be entombed in a traditional casket or embalmed. No non-organic pesticides or other chemicals are to be used in the treatment of the land in order for the burial to be considered a true green burial. 

Want to learn more about green burial options and how they can benefit both your family and your environment? The friendly and compassionate professionals at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory will work with you to provide options for your funeral plan so that you can make an educated decision. Call us today at 770-645-1414 or visit us online. Whether you choose a green burial or decide to go a more traditional route, we will help design a funeral service that celebrates your loved one and provides your family with beautiful memories to last a lifetime.