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Natural burial grounds are also known as a woodland cemetery, an eco-cemetery, a memorial nature preserve, or a green burial ground. This growing modern burial practice is an environmentally responsible option that provides a spiritually fulfilling alternative to conventional burial.
With a natural burial, the body is returned to nature in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. Native vegetation (often a memorial tree) is planted over or near the grave in place of a conventional cemetery monument. The resulting green space establishes a living memorial and forms a protected wildlife preserve.
A natural burial provides us the opportunity to give back something to the planet and in a sense, live forever. As a cemetery, the green space created is protected in perpetuity from the pressures of modern day development. Our family, friends, and future generations all benefit from the contribution that one makes when choosing a natural burial.
Embalming
No state or province in North America requires routine embalming of bodies. Refrigeration or dry ice can substitute for embalming in most instances. Special circumstances such as an extended time between death and burial and transportation of remains on commercial flights, may necessitate embalming.
Embalming may introduce hazardous material into the environment and retards decomposition, as such it is inconsistent with the objectives of natural burial and most sites will not permit the internment of embalmed bodies.
Coffins
Most 'traditional' caskets are made from chipboard covered in a thin veneer. Handles are usually plastic, designed to look like brass. The chipboard requires formaldehyde glues to stick the wood particles together, which causes pollution when cremated or biodegrading.
Higher end caskets and coffins are often manufactured using exotic and in some cases endangered species of wood and designed to prevent decomposition. While there are generally no restrictions on the type of coffin used, most sites encourage the use of environmentally friendly coffins made from cardboard or wicker. A simple cotton shroud is another option.
Environmental issues with conventional burial
Each year, 22,500 cemeteries across the United States bury approximately:
- 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid, which includes formaldehyde
- 30-plus million board feet of hardwoods (caskets)
- 90,272 tons of steel (caskets)
- 14,000 tons of steel (vaults)
- 2,700 tons of copper and bronze (caskets)
- 1,636,000 tons of reinforced concrete (vaults)
(Compiled from statistics by Casket and Funeral Association of America, Cremation Association of North America, Doric Inc., The Rainforest Action Network, and Mary Woodsen, Pre-Posthumous Society)
External links
Information and resources supporting natural burial in North America - background and FAQs, existing research and resources, state laws, products, professionals and consultants, and a list of existing and planned green burial grounds in the United States and Canada. Includes a series of blogs providing a forum for discussion about options and alternatives, environmental issues, and the ongoing development of the Forest of Memories site. Committed to developing natural burial funeral services, products and memorials, which enhance, protect, and preserve our natural environment; the Natural Burial Co-operative is working to establish natural burial cemeteries across Canada. Author of "A Feasibility Study of the Woodland Cemetery in Canada" Mike Salisbury specializes in spiritual landscapes and the design and planning of natural burial grounds. Based in the United Kingdom, this organization offers advice on " How To Set Up a Natural Burial Grounds " publishes a " Code of Practice " and offers a newsletter for members and several publications for the general public. Celebrating 40 years of protecting a consumer's right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral.
"Natural burial"