As people are becoming more and more environmentally aware, becoming green in the funeral service is a natural progression. Green cemeteries are few and far between in the United States, and the country is anxious to catch up with Great Britain, which has approximately 200 green cemeteries.
This concept is like others that are “green” in general. It simply means that environmental consciousness is practiced and that efforts are made in all areas to become eco-friendly. Natural burial methods and burial urns are used when the family of the deceased chooses to lay their loved one to rest in a manner that is earth friendly.
Green cemeteries allow only biodegradable caskets. These are usually made of sustainable wood. Embalming is another area in which it is possible to sustain the natural element. Instead of using embalming fluid, the body may be preserved with dry ice or by refrigeration, or formaldehyde-free embalming fluid may be used. Of course, green funeral practices are varied, much as traditional funerals are.
Many people are not familiar with this process. Green cemeteries, in an effort to preserve the earth, does not use pesticides or herbicides, and uses no irrigation for maintenance. Replenishing the earth is their main purpose, which is why no vaults or non-biodegradable caskets are allowed. In modern times, the first known green burial took place in 1993 in England, and since then it has become much more well known. In fact, there are now nearly 40 green burial grounds in the United Kingdom.
In the U.S., there are 10 states that currently have green cemeteries, and there are more in development. The Green Burial Council promotes sustainable, meaningful funeral practices. The nonprofit organization is working to help remove greenwashing in the funeral industry by creating standards that must be met to qualify as a green cemetery. Greenwashing is a term that means giving the appearance of being environmentally concerned and implementing the practices when it may not be a reality.
Often when families choose to go the natural route and are concerned about the environment, they choose to take the “green” route, which is increasing in popularity each day. Many green cemeteries conserve and restore land, and recommend that families use native trees and flat stones as grave markers. This trend is fast becoming a real choice for those who are concerned about preserving the earth.
As more and more people are implementing eco-friendly practices in everything they do from shopping to travel, the U.S. hopes to increase the awareness of green cemeteries, and become known as Great Britain is for its efforts to preserve the earth and create safer practices.
