Green Burial

What is green burial?

There isn’t a single definitive answer to that question, but certain forms of disposition are viewed as eco-friendly, and are considered “green” in nature. Generally, a burial is considered green if it conserves natural resources, preserves the environment, and isn’t harmful to humans.

What's the difference in preparation?

The most common method of green burial is the burying of an unembalmed body in a biodegradable body wrap, or shroud. When it comes to preservation prior to burial, refrigeration is employed, rather than embalming. Depending on the cemetery’s rules, a green burial container or casket might not be required. However, if a family prefers, there are green caskets constructed of wood, wool, and various other biodegradable materials. 

Can the family still have a viewing?

If the family wishes to have a viewing before the burial, there are eco-friendly embalming fluids that can be used to preserve the body. Instead of formaldehyde-based chemicals, typically used in a standard embalming, essential oils (derived from plants) are used. There are tradeoffs, however. The essential oils cannot penetrate and fixate tissue as efficiently as traditional fluid, resulting in a shorter window of preservation.

Does a green cemetery do things differently?

In addition to the way the body is prepared, green burials often have a different way of marking the grave and interring the body. For example, instead of the traditional tombstone or marker, a flat rock with an inscription may be placed on the plot. Plants and trees are often planted atop the plot, helping return the grounds to their natural state. Traditional graves are dug to be roughly six feet deep. However, a grave for a green burial is typically half that depth to speed the decomposition process through greater oxidation of the remains. Along those same lines, nutrient rich soil, as well as compost and other organic waste products, are used as backfill to promote decomposition of the body, and life above it. 

Why choose green burial?

So, why go this route? The fact is, it’s strictly one’s preference. An overwhelming majority of people who choose green burial do so because it’s the most environmentally-conscious option. National Geographic estimates that in the United States alone, approximately 30 million feet of wood and 90,000 tons of steel are used producing caskets each year. Additionally, 800,000 gallons of toxic embalming fluid is used to preserve deceased individuals each year. And of course these chemicals ultimately end up in the earth. 

Is there a green burial cemetery in our area?   

Parthemore Funeral Home works with several cemeteries that offer green alternatives, including the Paxtang Cemetery, [https://www.paxtangcemetery.com/] in Harrisburg, PA, which is the first local cemetery to offer green burial options to the public. This cemetery has a designated area for green burials, characterized by undisturbed wildlife and vegetation.