Choosing A Natural Burial

Are you considering a green burial or maybe you choose natural burial? Are you familiar with the concept?

Similar to traditional cemeteries, green/woodland or natural burial grounds have one big difference. To create nature rich, beautiful areas, they are managed according to the sound principles of ecology. They do not observe the memorials and/or formality of more traditional cemeteries. These burial grounds offer the perfect environment for reflection of a peaceful nature because they are full of natural life.

If you’re looking for an alternative to cremation, conventional burial, aboveground burial, etc., the only truly sustainable alternative is a natural burial. For many, cremation has replaced traditional end-of-life options. Today, however, far less damaging to the environment is the option of natural burial.

What About Visitors?

Just because someone has opted for a natural burial doesn’t mean that you can’t visit them. In fact, at any time, visitors are welcome to enjoy the tranquility and peace of natural burial grounds. What’s more, they will be able to observe wildlife and nature at its best. This helps bring comfort to many.

Though traditional headstones are not used for natural burials, some sites allow the use of a simple stone, a wood marker, and more. Rather than a marker, you may choose to plant a living tree or plant as a memorial (and marker).

The cycle of life is the main concept here. Slowly, the site will return to its natural state and offer refuge to wildlife.

Committing to the Environment

By choosing a natural, woodland, or green burial, you are contributing to the preservation, expansion, and establishment of local ecosystems. You’re stopping further damage to the environment, and preventing conventional funeral practices thought harmful to the earth and wildlife. The ecosystems you preserve help sustain a rich, natural biodiversity.

Fewer resources are also used in the case of natural burials. Hardwoods are not used for caskets, precious metals are not used, granite and other monument/headstone materials are not processed, etc. Not only are resources saved, but environmentally harmful production processes for the making of the previously mentioned items are done away with.

Finally, because no embalming fluids are used, no danger is posed to funeral workers or to the soil in which the deceased rests.

Eventually, the grounds of natural burial sites can return to nature as fields, woodlands, nature preserves, parks, and more. That can never be said for traditional cemeteries. The legal ramifications alone are staggering.

In all 50 states, natural burial is now legal. Some restrictions and/or regulations may apply, so always do your research ahead of time.

Choosing a Natural Burial? Contact American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory

At American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, we understand that, to some individuals, saving the planet is more important than old traditions. For that very reason, we provide eco-friendly burial services, if that is what you prefer. For the true traditionalist, however, we can and will provide any and all end-of-life services and arrangements preferred and/or desired.

Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a difficult experience. Our caring and compassionate staff is here to help. Because we are family owned and operated, we feel it helps us work seamlessly together to provide the best services for those in need.

If you would like to preplan your own funeral or need to put together a funeral for a loved one, please contact us.