Embracing a new ethic for a new era is driving green burials in the death care industry. A green burial, also called a natural burial is environmentally friendly, having as little as possible impact on the earth. Interment of bodies is done in a bio-degradable casket, shroud, or a favorite blanket. Embalming nor concrete for vaults is used. Green caskets are made from materials that are bio-degradable and easily decompose in the earth. They are commonly made from materials such as bamboo, cork, teak, willow, rattan, banana leaf, seagrass, and recycled cardboard, hemp, organic wool, felt or organic cotton.

The Green Burial Council, has set the following standards for “green” burial products:

• The product must not contain any plastics, acrylics, or synthetic polymer materials
• The product must not release toxic by-products in the facility where the product is manufactured
• Materials must be produced and harvested in environmentally sustainable ways or must be produced using reclaimed or recycled materials
• The transportation of materials to the manufacturer and the transportation of the product to the consumer may not exceed 3000 miles

Green burials normally take place in green cemeteries or natural burial grounds. Natural burial options including funeral directors that specialize in natural burial and green cemetery options are available throughout the world.

To Learn More:

www.everplans.com

www.naturalburialassoc.ca.com

http://www.thresholdsoflife.org/

www.beatree.com