While green burial services with funeral homes in Batavia, NY are not as widely chosen as traditional ground burials, they are becoming increasing popular. One of the reasons is that as people become more environmentally conscious, they are looking for ways to carry this idea over with them as they consider their end-of-life arrangements. With green burials being very eco-friendly, it makes an excellent option.

With green burials not being as popular as traditional ground burials, we are often asked many questions about this form of disposition. Today we are going to talk about what exactly a green burial is and ways you can have one.

What is a Green Burial?

The Green Burial Council defines a green burial as “a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat. Green burial necessitates the use of non-toxic and biodegradable materials, such as caskets, shrouds, and urns.”

How to Incorporate Green Burial Practices

There are many ways to have a total green burial or even a “hybrid” one that may just incorporate certain elements of a green burial with that of a traditional burial. One way to have a partly green burial is to forgo embalming. With many of the embalming fluids being toxic, as the body decomposes these toxins can be released into the soil. If you forgo the embalming process, or use essential oils instead of toxins, the soil will not be harmed.



Another aspect that can make a burial more green is to forgo using a grave liner. These grave liners are a vessel that the casket is placed inside of for burial. Grave liners are not biodegradable and can impede the body from decomposing. Those who wish to have a green burial might opt instead for a biodegradable casket with no grave liner.

Headstones can also be green when the family chooses a more eco-friendly marker such as a natural rock or flat marker. Some green cemeteries may not even permit markers but rather have gps coordinates of where your loved one’s grave site is located.

Are Green Burials Affordable?

Green burials can be a very affordable option. One reason is that if the family forgo things such as a grave liner or embalming services, they will not incur those expenses. Also, families may choose to purchase as less expense casket that will decompose more quickly which will also help in keeping costs low. Of course, these burials can increase in coasts the more services families choose, but overall, green burials are very affordable.

Final Thoughts

Green burials are a wonderful option for those individuals who wish to leave a small carbon footprint on the earth at their time of passing. It is also a nice way to naturally and organically be returned to the earth and soil. If you would like to know more about green burials and other services provided by funeral homes in Batavia, NY, call us today and talk with one of our experienced funeral directors.