Green Burial and Natural Monuments

Green burial is the interment of the body in the soil in a manner that allows the body to recycle naturally. The body may be prepared without chemical preservatives which can destroy the microbial decomposers that break the body down. Biodegradable coffins, containers or wraps are utilized with no outer burial container. The grave should be shallow enough to allow activity similar to that found in composting.

A wide variety of land management techniques including sustainable agriculture, restoration ecology and conservation projects may be used to maintain the burial area/green cemetery. Landscaping is not utilized as the methods may accelerate or slow down the decomposition rate of bodies, depending on the soil system and chemicals or pesticides used.

Natural coffins are suggested and are made from materials that quickly biodegrade. Ideally the materials are easily renewed or recycled and require less energy for their production. 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.

Natural burial grounds employ a variety of methods of memorialization. Headstones, boulders, and other common flat markers may be allowed. Green burial headstones, or gravemarkers, are usually designed with the landscape in mind, to minimalize footprint, blend in with the landscape while further reducing natural resources (that can come from producing larger monuments). Flat markers are extremely common, as are boulder-like monuments with rock finishes. And for the nature-lover, there are always hand-sculpted memorials in any size required by the cemetery. Be sure to check with your cemetery's specifications for green burials.

Trees, shrubs, and flowers planted on or near the grave can provide a living memorial and help create habitat.

The Green Burial Council certifies three categories of cemeteries:

1. Hybrid Burial Grounds

2. Natural Burial Grounds

3. Conservation Burial Grounds

Hybrid Burial Grounds are conventional cemeteries offering the option for burial without the use of an outer burial container of any type. Hybrid Burial Grounds must allow for any kind of burial containers including shrouds.

 

Natural Burial Grounds in addition to the above requirement, are also required to use protocols that are energy-conserving, minimize waste, and do not require the use of toxic chemicals. They must have a program of Integrated Pest Management and maintain a naturalistic appearance, based on use of plants and materials compatible with regional ecosystems.

Conservation Burial Grounds, in addition to meeting all the requirements above, they must also protect, in perpetuity, an area of land specifically and exclusively designated for conservation. They must involve an established conservation organization that holds a conservation easement or guarantee of long-term stewardship of the property.