Green Burials: A Return to Natural Death Care Practices

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In this week’s episode with Carin Bonifacino, co-founder of Friends of Green Burial PA and a funeral celebrant at Naugle and Grieco Funeral Homes in Pennsylvania, we explored the growing movement towards natural burial practices. With extensive experience in death care education and advocacy, Bonifacino brings valuable insights into modern burial practices shifting back to more environmentally conscious approaches. As a leading voice in the green burial movement, she works to educate communities about sustainable end-of-life options and help expand access to natural burial grounds across Pennsylvania and the U.S.

The concept of green burial isn't new - it's a return to traditional practices existing before the modernization of the funeral industry. Today, this movement represents a growing desire to make death more environmentally sustainable, meaningful, and naturally aligned with the planet. Let's explore why this centuries-old practice is making a powerful comeback and how it's reshaping our approach to death care in the modern world.

Understanding Green Burial: A Return to Traditional Practices

Green burials have been the way humans were buried for thousands of years before the invention of modern funeral practices. Unlike conventional burials involving embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, green burial allows the body to return naturally to the earth. The process involves placing an unembalmed body directly into the soil using biodegradable materials like shrouds, pine boxes, or wicker caskets. This practice is legal in all 50 states, though availability varies significantly by region.

Interestingly, certain religious communities, particularly Jewish and Muslim traditions, have maintained natural burial practices throughout history. These communities have long embraced the use of shrouds and quick burial without embalming, demonstrating the cultural and spiritual significance of returning to the earth naturally. A study by the National Funeral Directors Association shows a growing interest in green burial options, with 68% of respondents expressing interest in exploring eco-friendly funeral options.

According to Bonifacino, the modern green burial movement in the United States began in the late 1990s with the opening of the first natural burial grounds in South Carolina. Since then, approximately 400 cemeteries across the U.S. and Canada have begun offering green burial options. However, this represents just a fraction of available cemeteries, highlighting the significant room for growth in this movement.

The Environmental Impact: Why Green Burial Matters

Traditional burial practices have a substantial environmental footprint. According to the Green Burial Council, conventional burials in the United States annually use approximately 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid, 20 million board feet of hardwood, 1.6 million tons of concrete, and 64,500 tons of steel. Green burial eliminates these materials, significantly reducing the environmental impact of death care.

One of the most significant differences in green burial is the depth of the grave. Unlike conventional "six feet under" burials, green burials typically place the body three to four feet deep. This depth is scientifically optimal, allowing for proper decomposition through microbial activity while still protecting the body from disturbance. This shallower depth also means less soil disruption and reduced equipment use during the burial process.

Green burial grounds also serve as natural conservation areas. These spaces are maintained as nature preserves rather than manicured lawns, supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. With lower density requirements - typically 300-800 burials per acre compared to up to 1,200 in conventional cemeteries - these grounds better preserve natural landscapes and can even help restore damaged ecosystems.

The Process and Options Available

Bonifacino mentions when choosing green burial, families have several options for containing their loved one's remains:

  1. Shrouds: Natural fiber wrappings ($300-500)
  2. Pine boxes: Simple wooden caskets ($500-1,500)
  3. Wicker caskets: Hand-woven natural containers ($1,500-3,500)

The process begins similarly to traditional funeral services - the funeral home retrieves the deceased and maintains the body through refrigeration rather than embalming. This preservation method safely maintains the body for several weeks, allowing families time to arrange services and gatherings.

Conclusion: Leaving an Eco-Friendly Final Footprint

As awareness of environmental issues grows and people seek more meaningful end-of-life options, green burial provides a compelling alternative to conventional practices. Whether motivated by environmental concerns, spiritual beliefs, or a desire for simplicity, exploring green burial options can be an essential part of end-of-life planning.

Quick Tips for Exploring Green Burial Options for Your End-of-Life Plan:

  • Contact local funeral homes to inquire about their natural burial services
  • Research green burial advocacy groups in your state
  • Visit the Green Burial Council website for certified provider listings
  • Consider pre-planning to ensure your wishes are known and can be carried out
  • Discuss your preferences with family members and include them in your advance directives

Remember, end-of-life planning is a gift to your loved ones, and choosing a green burial can leave a lasting positive impact on both your family and the environment.

Helpful links: 

Friends of Green Burial PA: https://greenburialpa.org/

Green Burial Council: https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/

Conservation Burial Alliance: https://www.conservationburialalliance.org/

 

 

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