Natural burial, which is also called green burial, is a sustainable option for burial that focuses on practices and procedures that mankind has used for centuries. In contrast to classic burials which usually entail chemicals such as embalming fluid and non-degradable materials like concrete vaults, this alternative seeks to return human remains back to the earth in a manner that causes minimum interference with nature. But what is natural burial or green burial exactly?
Diving deeper into natural burial or green burial.
Natural burial is designed to offer a respectful and poignant farewell for the deceased, while also safeguarding nature by preserving ecosystems. To make this possible, biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or even burial pods made of natural resources like wicker, bamboo, or cardboard are used. In some scenarios where simplicity is preferred pine boxes can be utilized too.
When considering a traditional or natural burial, one of the main distinctions is the absence of embalming. Embalming consists of introducing chemicals into the body to impede deterioration and maintain a life-like appearance after death. Unfortunately, these substances can potentially damage our environment once they are released into soil and water sources through decomposition. In contrast, natural burials simply permit bodies to go back naturally to where they started–the earth.
An integral part of natural burial is the selection of the burial location. Traditional cemeteries generally feature tidied-up yards, flower beds, and gravestones, whereas a natural graveyard merges with its surrounding environment. Moving from meadows to forests or near water bodies; graves might be designated by uncomplicated stones as well as plaques made out of raw materials for an even more rustic feel.
Not only are natural burials better for the environment, but they’re often more cost-effective as families avoid expenses like outer burial containers and expensive caskets. Traditional burials demand considerable expenses such as caskets, embalming services, and headstones; in contrast, a natural burial involves far fewer materials and money overall. What’s more, since these gravesites naturally blend with their surroundings, there won’t be any additional fees required for upkeep or maintenance over time.
Natural burial can be more meaningful and intimate than traditional burials, allowing family members to participate in the laying of their loved one to rest. This communal experience encourages connection and a deeper sense of community among mourners.
It’s not surprising that natural burials are becoming increasingly popular, as people grow ever more conscious of the environmental toll traditional burials take. There are now many countries with diverse natural burial grounds and memorial parks to choose from when honoring a departed one in an environmentally-friendly way that is still deeply meaningful.
Green burial or natural burial vs. Terramation.
Natural burial is becoming increasingly trendy with the rise in popularity of Terramation. With this process, human remains are placed within a specially designed “vessel” containing only alfalfa straw and sawdust. Over the course of 30 to 60 days, the remains are gently and fully transformed into soil, which a family can then safely use in gardens, memorial sites, or wherever else they see fit. This process takes place within a carefully controlled Terramation facility.
Terramated remains sites are designed to seamlessly integrate into the local environment, featuring various habitats such as meadows, forests, and wetlands. Not only do these resting places honor the deceased in a natural way with minimal disruption of nature; but they also provide key ecological advantages that contribute significantly to local land conservation efforts. For instance, Terramated remains sites promote biodiversity by growing native plants and habitats for animals while aiding soil protection from erosion.
In some instances, memorial sites are designed to commemorate the dead, allowing families and their beloved ones to plant trees, shrubs, or other greenery in honor of them. Not only does this create a vivid and touching memorial for those passed on but also adds to preserving our natural environment. Returning soil to the planet encourages biodiversity and guarantees a future where the health of our planet’s soil is enriched.
