When a loved one passes and you are talking with funeral homes in Batavia, NY. about arrangements, you will have several options of how you wish for your loved one to be laid to rest. One of these options is a green burial. Since this is a less common form of burial, you may not be sure exactly what it is or what all it entails. To help decide if this is a good option for your loved one, let’s take a closer look into this type of burial.

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 restoration and/or preservation of habitat.”.

With a green burial, the body is not embalmed or prepared with any other chemicals and is allowed to remain in its natural state. This allows the area of the burial to remain free of chemicals and other foreign compounds and helps promote new plant life.

What is the Deceased Buried In?

With a green burial, the deceased is placed in a biodegradable coffin or simply wrapped in a shroud or other natural fiber fabric. The gravesite does not have a stone grave vault or any other grave liner. All of this allows the body to begin the process of returning to nature.

How are the Graves Marked?

Typically, green burial markers consist of a flat stone at the head of the site, a corner marker, or some other natural markers such as a native tree or plant. The family may also receive the GPS coordinates of the site so they may find it that way if no other marker is used.

Why Choose a Green Burial?

Although green burials may not be as commonly known as traditional burials, they are rising in popularity. Since they offer many benefits, more and more families are choosing this option. Some of these reasons people like this option are:

• Helping reduce the use of hazard chemicals – With embalming fluids containing formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, many families like that the fact this fluid isn’t used, keeping people, and the environment, safer.
• Less expensive– Since things like an elaborate casket, concrete grave vaults and embalming services are not needed with a green burial, the overall cost of this option can be much lower than that of a traditional burial.
• It’s simple and natural– Many families are drawn to the simplicity of a green burial and find much beauty in the joining of their loved one with nature in this way.

Is a Green Burial the Right Choice?

Knowing a little more about green burials, you still may be unsure if it’s the right choice. A few things to keep in mind help you make this decision are:

• Did your loved one have any last wishes? If your loved one wanted a traditional burial with the embalming process, you will need to follow their wishes.
• Is this in line with their religious views? Does this type of burial go along with your loved one’s religious views? Some religions have very strict protocol when it comes to burials and how they should be done. If you are at all unsure, check with a local religious leader.
• How does the rest of the family feel? While you can’t please everybody, it would be nice is most of the family was on board with this choice. Talk with your family and see how everyone feels about this option.
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While making arrangements for your loved one with funeral homes in Batavia, NY. is never easy, understanding what your options are can help reduce some of the anxiety. Knowing about green burials a little more, you can now decide if it’s the right choice for your loved one call us or visit us and tour our facilities now.