Green Burials: As mothers, we often focus intensely on birth, yet death is a topic we rarely discuss. Unlike sharing birth experiences over coffee, conversations about death or burial preferences aren’t common at playdates.

This past year, I had the profound experience of supporting loved ones through both birth and death. I was deeply moved by the beauty present in both transitions and realized that while our physical presence eventually fades, our true essence persists.

Preparing for death is important, whether for ourselves or our loved ones. As we age or face the aging of family members, we may need to address end-of-life wishes and make decisions about how we wish to be remembered. I am particularly drawn to eco-friendly burial options that align with my commitment to reducing toxic impact and supporting sustainability for future generations.

What Is a Traditional Burial?

A traditional burial typically follows a series of steps. Initially, the body is embalmed using formaldehyde to preserve it and delay decomposition. The embalmed body is then placed in a wooden or metal casket. Funeral services are conducted to honor the deceased and may take place in places of worship or funeral homes. A graveside service is often held at the burial site, where the body is interred in a metal or concrete vault or plastic liner within a cemetery plot. Finally, the grave is marked with a headstone.

Why Is Traditional Burial Harmful?

Traditional burial practices often involve non-biodegradable materials, such as metal-handled caskets, concrete vaults, and headstones, which remain intact for an extended period, impacting the environment far into the future.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revealed that funeral industry workers exposed to embalming fluids face significant health risks. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde, a key component in embalming, has been linked to higher rates of leukemia and brain cancer among these workers.

Furthermore, a 2022 report from Illness, Crisis, and Loss highlighted that embalming chemicals can leach into the soil, contributing to environmental pollution. This contamination poses a serious threat to marine life and could potentially affect drinking water supplies. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act classifies formaldehyde as a highly toxic substance.

Traditional cemeteries also employ fertilizers, pesticides, and large amounts of water for landscaping, which can further contribute to environmental issues.

What Is a Green Burial?

Green burials are becoming increasingly popular as individuals look for more environmentally friendly and natural end-of-life options. According to the Green Burial Council, a nonprofit organization in the death care sector, a green burial minimizes environmental impact and aims to conserve natural resources. Unlike traditional burials, green burials reduce the toxic burden by using non-toxic, biodegradable materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

The Benefits of a Green Burial

Natural burials offer several advantages, including:

• Lower Cost: Traditional burials can range from $7,000 to $12,000, covering both the funeral or memorial service and various associated expenses. Green burials, on the other hand, generally require fewer materials such as caskets and embalming, making them more affordable.
• Biodegradable Products: Conventional burial materials, such as those made from exotic woods or metals, are not biodegradable. In contrast, natural burials use simple, biodegradable materials and avoid concrete vaults and plastic liners, which can take centuries to break down.

• Reduced Chemical Exposure: Traditional burial methods use chemicals that are harmful both to the environment and to the workers involved. Moreover, conventional cemeteries frequently apply pesticides and fertilizers for maintenance, contributing to additional pollution.
• Support for Land Conservation: Unlike traditional cemeteries, which do not focus on conserving or protecting natural habitats, natural burials are often conducted in areas that are thoughtfully restored and managed to preserve the surrounding environment.

Green Burial Options

There are various green burial options to consider, depending on your location and personal preferences. The costs for these alternatives can differ, and each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, all of these choices offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial methods.

Cremation

Cremation is one of the most well-known options, with a history dating back to ancient Roman and Greek civilizations, and possibly as far back as 3000 BCE.

During the cremation process, the body is placed in a combustible container and subjected to temperatures ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the process, families receive approximately 4-6 pounds of ashes.

These ashes can be scattered in a memorial forest, where you can choose a tree as a tribute to your loved one. Alternatively, you can disperse the ashes at a meaningful location, such as a favorite spot or your own backyard (keeping local regulations in mind). Another option is to keep the ashes in an urn at home or transform them into a unique keepsake, like jewelry. The cost for cremation generally ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, excluding any additional memorial services.

Cremation is widely available across all states, but it does produce emissions, including carbon dioxide and mercury, though the overall environmental impact is less compared to traditional burials.

Aquamation

Aquamation, also known as water cremation, is a newer, eco-friendly burial option that began as a method for converting animal carcasses into fertilizer. It became available for humans in the United States in 2005 and is now offered in approximately 22 states.

Similar to cremation, aquamation reduces the body to a powder-like substance, but it uses water and potassium hydroxide instead of high heat. The process involves heating the body to around 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and the remaining substance resembles ashes. The average cost of aquamation ranges from $2,000 to $3,000.

This method is advantageous because it uses less electricity and generates fewer emissions, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a less harmful burial alternative. However, one drawback is that it is not yet available in every state.

Human Composting

Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, is one of the most environmentally friendly burial methods currently available. It is legal in seven states in the U.S. (Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, and Nevada) and is gradually becoming legalized in additional states.

This process involves converting the body into compost. Similar to garden composting, the body is placed in a vessel with natural materials such as straw, wood, and alfalfa, which aid in decomposition. Microbes break down the body over a period of 30 to 60 days.

Once the process is complete, the family receives a portion of the nutrient-rich soil that can be used for planting or spreading (though it is not recommended for use in vegetable gardens). The cost for human composting typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000.

While this option is currently limited in availability, it is gaining popularity, and more states are expected to offer human composting in the future.

What Is a Green Funeral?

Traditional funerals typically take place at religious institutions or funeral homes, often featuring a body in a casket. In contrast, a green funeral often forgoes the use of a casket, especially in practices like aquamation or human composting, and sometimes in cremation. Traditional funerals also frequently involve plastic flowers and a headstone at the burial site. Green funerals, however, usually avoid these elements, resulting in a much smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional services.

Green funerals can also embrace more personalized and eco-friendly approaches, such as holding a service at home or gathering family and friends for a meal. If cremation is chosen, the service might include a special event where ashes are scattered at a meaningful location.

When Green Burial Might Not Be Feasible

One concern with green burials is the ability to hold a viewing during the funeral or memorial service. Traditional burials often use embalming to preserve the body for such viewings, but green burials typically do not. While embalming is not legally required, many funeral homes may not permit viewings without it.

If you prefer a viewing and your chosen funeral home allows it, or if you arrange a home viewing, you can use dry ice or refrigeration to preserve the body for up to 2-3 days. It’s advisable to verify local regulations and funeral home policies to ensure that a viewing can be accommodated according to your wishes.

Why Planning for Death Benefits Your Loved Ones

Planning for your death is a profound gift to your loved ones, as it eliminates uncertainty during an emotionally charged time. By clearly outlining your end-of-life wishes, you provide them with clear guidance, removing the need for them to make difficult decisions or guess your preferences. This thoughtful planning also underscores the importance you place on leading a non-toxic life and death for both yourself and your family.

Additionally, having open discussions with your family about their own end-of-life preferences is crucial. Understanding their wishes can help you avoid assumptions and ensure that their desires are respected. Introducing them to alternative, healthier burial options might also broaden their perspective and offer them more sustainable choices beyond traditional practices.