Questions And Options For Natural Burials

More and more individuals today are exploring their options for natural burials. You may not be familiar with this concept, so we will look into it here. After reading this, you will have a better idea of what natural burials entail and possibly even whether or not they are something you would like to consider for yourself or a loved one.

Natural Burials

To begin with, things like burial vaults, caskets, and embalming fluids are not natural. Rather, the body is allowed to decompose naturally after being placed directly into the earth. A simple burial shroud and/or a biodegradable casket is sometimes used for body placement. The point is not to in any way inhibit the body’s decomposition. To dig the grave site, no heavy equipment or machinery is used for digging. Grave sites for natural burials are hand dug.

Natural Burial Products

Rather than the grave marker you’re used to seeing, a simple bronze plaque or a simple stone is the appropriate marker for a natural burial site. At the gravesite, natural flowers/plants can be grown. However, various rules and regulations apply to certain natural cemeteries.

Green Burials and Natural Burials – What’s the Difference?

Is there a difference between a natural burial and a green burial? Yes there is, so they should not be used interchangeably. Unfortunately, they are sometimes confused as both are traditional burial alternatives.

A special cemetery is required for a green burial, for starters. Not only does the term “green burial” refer to the place of burial but the process as well. No artificial pesticides are used in a green cemetery. However, it’s okay for the bodies buried in a green cemetery to be contained within traditional caskets and/or embalmed.

Natural Burial Q and A

Just a few more points that need to be covered:

• With natural burial, is cremation an option? Answer: Yes it is. To comply with cemetery rules, the process may be slightly altered.
• Is natural burial approved in every state? Answer: All 50 states have now legalized natural burials with varying regulations and rules in some cases.
• What’s the big deal about natural burial? Answer: Among other things, it is considered more eco-friendly, which is a pretty hot topic these days.
• Why are the traditional grave markers, caskets, and vaults not allowed? Answer: The transportation of these items, as well as the process of creating grave markers, burial vaults, and caskets, is not considered eco-friendly – and that’s the whole point of a natural burial.

Weighing Your Options for End-Of-Life Arrangements? We Can Help

Here at American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, we understand that planning a funeral – whether you’re preplanning your own, that of another, or facing last-minute funeral arrangements – can seem like a daunting task. You may not know where to begin or how to proceed. Our compassionate, professional staff consists of more than just employees. Because we are family owned and operated, our business is comprised of caring individuals who treat every client like part of the family.

Whether you’d like to explore natural burial options or something else, let us help you through the entire process, beginning to end. Contact us today to discuss end-of-life planning.