Is A Natural Burial More Cost-Effective?
As the world starts to care more about the environment and our carbon emissions, more and more people are starting to worry about the environmental impact of their funeral preparations. This has led to the rise in popularity of natural burials, otherwise known as green burials.
As they are a relatively new form of burial, it might be unfamiliar or confusing to figure out what exactly does a natural burial entail. More importantly, cost can be a crucial factor when choosing between different options. Here at American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, we believe that everyone needs support and clear information when making this difficult decision. This is why we have created an easy to understand breakdown of what a natural burial is and if it is more cost-effective than other options.
What Is a Natural Burial?
A natural burial is, very simply put, an eco-friendly burial. This means that during the funeral process, only biodegradable and non-toxic materials will be used. This means no concrete vaults, grave markers, embalming fluids, and metal or exotic wood caskets can be used in a green cemetery.
The criteria is largely centered around the concept of caring and honoring the dead without leaving a large environmental impact. On top of this, there are also honored beliefs of conserving natural resources, reducing the amount of carbon emissions produced as well as preserving or restoring the land as a habitat for native plants and animals.
Types of Natural Burial Cemeteries
One factor which is central to the concept is having to secure a plot in a natural burial cemetery. There are currently three types of natural burial cemeteries that are available.
- Hybrid Cemeteries which allow for natural burial, either in a designated section or throughout the entire cemetery. This means while you are able to choose eco-friendly burial options like shrouds and biodegradable caskets, the cemetery is not entirely dedicated to sustainability.
- Natural Burial Grounds is a cemetery that is fully dedicated to eco-friendly practices. This means that only natural burials will be allowed to take place within their land. Protocols will differ from cemetery to cemetery but will generally be inclusive of most of the above mentioned natural burial aims.
- Conservation Burial Grounds are the pinnacle of natural burial as the owners of the land will also work with a conservation organization to make sure that the land is continuously protected according to deed restrictions or a conservation easement.
Cost of Having a Natural Burial
After reading about all the specialized requirements needed to have a natural burial, one would expect that the price will also be higher. To help with comparisons, a traditional burial will generally cost $11,000 on average, without taking into account the cost of the burial plot or any add-on services like flowers or food. On the other hand, an average natural burial will set you back about $1,000 to $4,000. This is largely because you will no longer have to pay for a concrete vault, embalming and ornate casket. It is, however, important to note that natural burial certified locations are not as widely dispersed as those for traditional burial so transportation costs may have to be taken into account.
If you have any further questions on how the process of a natural burial is like, or if there are any other affordable burial services available, contact us at any time.
