Green burial services are rising in popularity with as many as 60% of consumers saying they would be interested in exploring “green” funeral options because of their potential environmental benefits, cost savings or for other reasons.
End-of-life planning may not be high on your priority list right now, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your final wishes are known and to help protect your family from financial and legal stress after you pass. If you’re curious about green burials, here’s what you need to know.
What’s Green Burial?
You’re probably familiar with typical American funerals that usually involve an expensive casket, a burial vault, embalming for the deceased and lots of other add-ons.
Green burials are different because they usually skip a number of these steps and they require far fewer resources, allowing a minimal environmental impact. The Green Burial Council’s steps for a green funeral include:
- Forgoing chemical embalming and concrete or metal vaults, allowing the deceased to return naturally to the earth
- Utilizing biodegradable containers, such as natural wood boxes, woven caskets, biodegradable shrouds and natural urns
- Protecting natural habitats and ecosystems; many natural burial sites utilize natural stones or plaques that are flush to the ground or GPS grave locations rather than headstones
These practices may sound foreign, but they’re nothing new; many religions have funeral traditions that are in line with green burial.
Green burials vary—and the extent of how “green” a funeral can be is up to the individual. Some people may choose to simply be wrapped in a cotton shroud and lowered into the ground. Others may choose to have a burial service at a memorial sanctuary, utilize chemical-free embalming essential oils, and be placed in a bamboo casket. Still others may decide on a “blended funeral” that combines traditional elements with green burial options.
Green Burial vs. Traditional Burial Costs
In addition to the environmental advantages of green burial, there are financial benefits as well. According to The Living Urn, a green burial can cost between $1,000 to $4,000, whereas the average cost of a more traditional funeral is $8,094.30.
No matter which you choose, it’s important to help ensure your family has the financial means to carry out your final wishes. Life insurance offers an effective way to pass a sum of money to your beneficiary that can be used to help pay off debts and final expenses, replace lost income and transfer wealth.
Interested in Green Burial? Next Steps
If the green burial approach appeals to you, search for green funeral homes or natural cemeteries in your area. Schedule tours at locations and talk to staff about your options.
If you have specific wishes—especially as it relates to green burial—it’s important to have honest conversations with your loved ones and put your wishes in writing. Many people are less familiar with green burial options, so your loved ones will be grateful for your documented guidance.
Green Burial Final Thoughts
Green burials aren’t for everyone, but they’re a wonderful option if you want to consider environmental stewardship in your end-of-life choices. According to Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary, “A natural burial is a return to tradition that provides a simple, less wasteful, non-toxic means of dedicating one’s physical form back to the earth to rejoin the soil with dignity and minimal environmental impact.”
You may be interested in reading 5 Funeral Alternatives: Honoring Loved Ones Your Way and Leaving a Legacy: 4 Types to Consider
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