Traditional burials are now being seen as anti green. Starting with embalming fluid that eventually leaks into the ground, the amount of wood and other materials used to make caskets and in some locations the limited amount of available burial space.
" … Green Burial Council is a non-profit organization working to make burial more sustainable, economically viable, and meaningful … aim to reduce the carbon emissions, waste and the use of toxic chemicals in the cemetery/funeral field and utilize burial as a means of acquiring, restoring, and stewarding natural areas."
"Founded in 2005, the Council has emerged as the "gold standard" among consumers, land trusts, park service agencies, cemetery operators, funeral homes, cremation companies and product suppliers."
You can search for specific green cemetery / burial options on the website.
One local cemetery in the area – West Laurel Hill in Bala Cynwyd, PA is now advertising / offering green burials.
Via: Green Burial Council http://www.greenburialcouncil.org/index.php
Credit: Click here…
Thanks so much for helping to spread the word about the emerging shift in burial practices.
Ironically, 'natural' burial has been done for years, and hundreds of cemeteries around the country have graves that are liner-free, where biodegradable coffins were placed directly into the earth to decompose. We're just returning to the old ways, and it's not that hard to do.
Our company – http://www.naturalburialcompany.com — promotes woven willow coffins as a way to help raise awareness about the possibilities of meeting the end of life more ecologically. When people see a beautiful coffin or urn made from sustainably produced willow or cane their imaginations light up and they start to see new possibilities. We also consult with cemeteries to help them identify whether or not their grounds are suitable for a transition to natural practices.
We have some more in-depth information about the history of the natural burial movement and steps a person can take to help plan for a natural burial and funeral at http://www.beatree.com.
Thanks again for your post!
Cynthia Beal
Natural Burial Company
http://www.naturalburialcompany.com