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Green Burial

Green Burial

A green burial is a cremation alternative, and a viable alternative to "traditional" burial practices in the United States. It is an earth friendly option when considering burial vs cremation. Many families choose cremation because it's seen as more environmentally friendly than traditional burial. The simplicity of a green burial is in tune with nature and need not be expensive.

What is a Green Burial?

A green burial or an eco-friendly burial is the most environmentally friendly final resting place. This type of burial has minimal impact on the environment and aids in the conservation of natural resources. Green burials use biodegradable materials that are non-toxic that leave little impact on the earth.

 

You can choose to be buried in a green cemetery. Those that are certified by the Green Burial Council or similar organizations preserve the surrounding habitat by making eco-friendly choices about the management and care of the land as well as using biodegradable and nontoxic items, including embalming fluid and caskets.

 

Other forms of natural burials include cremation. When compared with a traditional burial, and you can choose from urns and other materials that are also non-toxic and biodegradable.

 

Why Have a Green Burial?

It is clear that nature has intended that our bodies be reunited with the earth. All organisms that have lived, have died and returned to the soil...only to be recycled into new life. Constant microbial activity in the soil breaks everything down. Nature creates no waste. Everything is recycled. In keeping with your personal values, a natural burial site for you, family, even pets, promotes growth of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, in turn bringing birds and other wildlife to the area.

Water is not wasted, nor are pesticides and herbicides used in attempts to control nature. Instead, a green cemetery allows nature take it's course. Planting native trees, shrubs and flowers in your loved one's honor promotes habitat restoration. To encourage land preservation, a green cemetery grants a conservation easement for the burial site. Choosing a green burial now relieves your loved ones of the distress that comes in having to make difficult, and often costly, decisions after your passing. Involve your friends and family now, so difficult decisions do not need to be made in a time of grief.

 

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Burials

There are many benefits to a green burial. Not only do they have a minimal impact on the land, but they also reduce the amount of carbon emissions, protect workers’ health, and can lead to the restoration or preservation of the land.

 

Eco-friendly burials also involve fewer (and, in the best cases, no) toxic or hazardous chemicals. Traditional embalming fluid, for example, is very toxic and even includes known carcinogens. This can cause harm to the funeral home directors who interact with it.

 

Another benefit of eco-friendly burials is that they can reduce the imprint of cemeteries on the land. Traditional burial sites fill up fast, requiring expansion or new sites to be built. These sites can then never be used again for burial or for anything else; green sites may eventually be used for other purposes or can lead to preservation in the future, preventing large companies from building on the land.

 

Natural Burial Pre-Planning 

You have many options when choosing a final resting place, whether you're preplanning for yourself or seeking services at a time of need for a lost loved one. If being environmentally friendly is important to you, you can plan ahead with Dorsey Funeral Home. We work with you to ensure all your wishes for final arrangements are handled with grace and professionalism, and we can help you plan an environmentally friendly burial.

 

Still Have Questions? Contact Us.

Our team is ready to answer your questions. Click here and call us or leave an email.

 

 

Dorsey Funeral Home Inc.
Phone: (914) 941-0167
14 Emwilton Pl., Ossining, NY 10562

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