When most people think about funerals, the traditional image of a casket and burial comes to mind. However, green burial is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who want to have a more natural funeral. Green burials can take place in any number of settings, such as at home or in a cemetery that specializes in green burials. Here we will discuss some of the benefits of green burial that directors of funeral homes in Lafayette, CO want you to keep in mind and why you should consider this type of funeral for yourself or a loved one.
Green burials do not affect the environment negatively and can be exactly the right choice for a loved one who was worried about the planet and its impact on it. If this is something that you want to consider, it can make a difference to know a bit about what it is like.
What is a green funeral?
Green funeral is a type of internment option in which the body is buried without any embalming fluid, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The deceased’s remains are typically placed in a biodegradable shroud, coffin, or casket made of natural materials such as fiberboard, wicker, bamboo, or cardboard.
The green burial industry is growing every year as people become more interested in eco-friendly and sustainable living practices. There are now green burial grounds all over the country that offer a variety of options for those seeking an environmentally-friendly funeral. It is important to understand what green burial really is. Unlike other kinds of burials, since a green one is done without embalming the person, there will be no chemicals that will seep into the ground when the body starts breaking down. The goal is to impact the environment as little as possible while allowing the body to follow its natural course.
Benefits of Green Funeral
There are a number of benefits to choosing a green funeral apart from the positive impact on the environment, green burials tend to take up less space. Most of them do not use caskets, so there are no bulky spaces. You also want to remember that a green burial costs less than a standard and traditional burial. This is because you will not have to pay for embalming services or even the purchase of a casket. For people who are worried about their finances, this can be an important thing to consider.
Conservation of metal and wood resources
The casket you choose can make an impact when it comes to the environment. Metal caskets, for example, require a lot of energy to produce and transport. They also tend to corrode quickly. Wooden caskets, on the other hand, use up valuable resources that can be scarce. By choosing green burial, you are ensuring that these materials will not go to waste.
In addition, green burials do not require a headstone. Headstones are often made from marble, limestone, or granite – all of which are quarried and transported using fossil fuels. Green burial allows the natural surroundings to take over and provides a more sustainable option for future generations.
Reduction of carbon footprint
Green funeral eliminates the need for embalming fluid, which is made from formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause environmental damage. The average American funeral emits about 410 pounds of carbon dioxide. A green burial can reduce that amount by up to 85%. Cremation is another burial option that uses fewer resources than traditional burials, yet it can also be environmentally unfavorable. Because the process necessitates a substantial amount of fossil fuels, energy consumption is high, and increased carbon emissions are a problem.
When you choose green burial, you are choosing a more sustainable option for yourself and the environment. By reducing your carbon footprint, you are helping to make a difference for future generations.
Cost reduction
Green burials also offer potential cost savings. The traditional funeral process is expensive, and green funerals can be less so. There are no embalming fluids or fancy caskets required; in fact, many green burial options allow you to use your own materials. This can save you a lot of money while still providing a respectful and meaningful send-off for your loved one.
There are still a lot of costs associated with green burials (especially since it is such a young concept), and viewing, funeral, and memorial services can all be done in the same way. While the green funeral movement is gaining traction, these practices are still in their infancy. Funeral homes that provide eco-friendly services may have a competitive advantage over those that only provide traditional services, especially if they are located in a region with few if any, green options.
Getting peace of mind
When you bury a loved one in an environmentally friendly way, you can take comfort knowing that their body is being returned to the earth in a gentle and natural way. There is no embalming fluid, metal casket, or concrete vault required, so there is little environmental impact. You can also rest assured that your loved one’s remains will not end up in a landfill.
This is the perfect option for people who want to reduce their environmental impact and feel good about how their loved one’s final resting place was handled. It can also provide some closure during a difficult time.
Final thoughts
You want to keep in mind that not all cemeteries allow for this kind of option. Some cemeteries do not even allow biodegradable caskets, because they fear the ground will collapse once the casket starts breaking down. This means that you will have to purchase a grave vault, which may not be something you are willing to do. Take the time to do a bit of research into what the local options are and what cemeteries or other burial options you have for your loved one. This is crucial to consider, so do keep that in mind as you start the process of planning a green burial.
A green burial can be exactly the right choice for many families. You want to be sure that you consider the many benefits that these burials offer, including affordability. You want to ask lots of questions from the providers, as well, so that you can be sure you know exactly what to expect. You can get started with these arrangements by reaching out to a Lafayette, CO funeral home like us at The Natural Funeral. We are here to help you with the options that you want for your loved one and for your family. You can give us a call today at (720) 515-2344 or you can stop by our location to speak with one of our experts about everything we can offer.
