Green or Natural Funerals
resources: Green Burial Council
“Green” or “Natural” funerals is an emerging alternative
to traditional funeral practices.
The definition of “Green” or “Natural”, as related to
funeral service, is the concept of caring for the dead with minimal
environmental impact that furthers legitimate ecological aims such as the
conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of
worker health and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.
There are many different shades of “green” in reference
to the type of end of life services that are available.
Green or Natural funerals may include viewing, burial and
cremation.
A casket, urn or shroud may be suitable for a green or
natural burial if it is made from materials or substances that are non-toxic
and readily biodegradable. These materials should be made from materials that
are harvested in a manner that does not unnecessarily destroy the habitat.
Families may opt to have a viewing prior to the burial or
cremation. There are alternatives to formaldehyde available to preserve a body
for viewing purposes.
Natural, Green or Ecoembalming is defined by use of
non-toxic, non-hazardous, safe, practical, ultra-low environmental-impact
acceptable
for natural or green burial and cremation. These fluids are readily biodegradable
capable of fulfilling the Modern Tenets of Embalming as follows, public safety,
temporary sanitation, cosmetic restoration and temporary preservation.
Ecoembalming uses non-toxic, non-hazardous, eco-safe fluids
for temporary preservation and sanitation of the deceased for viewing purposes.
Active chemical components of the ecoembalming fluid
include essential oil ingredients.
Cremation may be considered green or natural because it
reduces land use since the remains
do not need to be interred.
The funeral directors at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral
Home & Crematory will work with you and your family to customize a green or
natural funeral, burial or cremation.
