Green Burials

If you’re environmentally friendly, your concern for the planet doesn’t have to end at your death. Although most people don’t enjoy discussing their own funeral plans, doing so will make sure that your beliefs and decisions will be properly carried out. Your funeral will be one of the most expensive personal decisions you will make.

The funeral industry has traditionally designed caskets to last forever. Many caskets are coated with chemical preservatives, and the fabrics are made with artificial dyes. There is nothing usually “green” about being buried in this way, and the cumulative effect on the soil is certainly something to be questioned.

Because of an awareness of the fragility of the world in which we live, funeral directors are offering green burial options. One of the first things to notice is the simplicity of the caskets. Made from harvested wood, there is an absence of preservatives usually found in caskets.

Popular trees are being used for these caskets because they mature relatively quickly, in about 20 or 30 years, making it quicker to reforest the area from which they were taken. This is the first plus for nature.

Additionally, casket makers are now using traditional woodworking methods that were popular hundreds of years ago. This eliminates the presence of chemicals and by-products that have a negative effect on the environment. Non-chemical glue is used to join the corners, eliminating nails and screws, which are manufactured through a process that ultimately produces pollutants as well.

Embalming fluid is a carcinogenic compound known as formaldehyde. Although this chemical preserves very well, its harmful properties do not aid the betterment of the planet. There has been some testing done on another fluid to use in embalming that contains iodine. However, this mixture hasn’t shown the same results as formaldehyde and further study is being done to improve the embalming quality of it.

The final resting place in a cemetery should also be considered. The federal government has laws in place to ensure that cemeteries provide adequate maintenance of their properties. This is a good thing, but it often comes at the expense of the environment.

The grounds are usually heavily treated with pesticides, which leach into the soil and eventually find their way into our water supply. Some cemeteries are opting for more natural ways to keep their grounds looking great. Using local plants that thrive in their particular area cuts down on fertilizer use. Incorporating ponds provides a restful look and landscaping with native rock is also a good idea because the stones don’t have to be transported.

Another option for a green burial can be found at sea. Memorial reefs have been constructed off the coasts of Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Texas. Basically, the ashes are mixed with concrete to be added to the artificial reef. This, in turn, serves as a habitat for marine life, like fish, coral and sponges. Bronze plaques provide information about the deceased.

The world is changing. Pollution in the air, soil and water are causing people to think of realistic options to a traditional burial. Consider the environment when planning your funeral. The world will be a better place for your concern.