The Green Burial ALLIANCE

First Things First

While we do not "certify" providers of Green Burial, we do offer guidelines in selecting such providers. Specifically, the primary considerations to make are the selections of a funeral home and cemetery.  They should be able to thoughtfully help you plan a truly moving green memorial.   A caring and competent funeral services provider will be able to guide you through the arrangements process, making it as easy as possible for your family.  They will help you decide which services and products are right for you, and whether you even need them at all.  These decisions, however, are yours to make.

We encourage you to find providers who are committed to the purity of natural burial and who are experienced, but the commitment is most important.  Be aware of providers who encourage embalming, even if they call it a "green" embalming.  Ask about refrigeration or dry ice as an alternatives to invasive embalming procedures.  Ask about the transfer process from the place of death and what procedures will be used once the funeral home has the body.  Ask about dressing the body and what garments are acceptable.  You should be invited to be involved in the process as much or as little as you wish.

Ask about the philosophy of the funeral director.  Be wary of people who pressure you to buy merchandise.  In Green Burial, simple is better, and simple should include dignity and respect for you and your loved one.  Your funeral provider should be able to speak about the beauty, the profound closeness families share, the emotional healing, and the sense of peace that many families have experienced through natural burial.  The sincere funeral director will allow you to make the decisions based on what's right for you, and will make every attempt to keep the process simple and affordable, while respecting your loved one.

The Green Cemetery

This is a cemetery that has made a forever commitment to the individuals who have chosen green burial there.

• Typically this commitment is a deed resrtiction to a certain plot or entire parcel of land allowing only green burial to be practiced in this area.

• These restrictions  specifically prohibit burial vaults and embalming, and allowing only biodegrable burial containers and natural-fiber shrouds

• They also may include restrictions as to the kind of monumentation and plantings that will be allowed

• Most follow strict conservation and environmental practices to ensure maximum protection of the surrounding nature and landscape

When choosing a cemetery for Green Burial, make sure the following commitments have been made

• The cemetery has permanently protected its natural burial area.  This is typically a deed restriction allowing only green burials.  If this commitment has not been made by the cemetery, beware of the future ramifications.  By not doing this, the cemetery can at its discretion allow traditional burials to take place in the areas originally reserved for green burials.  This certainly would not be respecting the wishes of people who purchased plots for green burial in this area. 

• Take note of whether the cemetery has any type of conservation or land use regulations in place.  In keeping with the true spirit of green burial these actions are vital in a true green burial ground. By enforcing low impact burials and not allowing pesticides of any type to be used, a green burial preserve remains in sync with the true spirit of the movement.  This also helps protect the surrounding environment by not allowing any invasive species to be integrated within the existing ecosystem.  Creating these regulations ensures that impact to the surroundings is miminal.

The final wishes of each individual will be different, but these practices should be expected when choosing a cemetery for natural burial.  Buyer beware that cemeteries may offer this service now and in the future, but may not actually make the necessary commitments.  When someone takes the trouble to provide for his or her own final arrangements, it is the final statement of their life and the way they chose to live it.  This legacy should be respected and honored by the cemetery's commitment, an everlasting tribute to life.

The Green Funeral Provider (Funeral Home)

A green funeral provider is usually a funeral home that offers families the option of a green or natural burial.  It is important to know that the funeral director is experienced in green burial and that the funeral home is committed to providing exceptional, caring and reliable services for natural burial.  Natural burial is a profoundly moving and uniquely comforting memorial experience that should not be rushed or subject to a timetable.  All options should be available, including refrigeration, sustainable caskets, burial shrouds, funeral service planning and memorial products.  Please be very careful when selecting a funeral home to help you with green burial for either yourself or your loved one.  Make sure they understand what you want and are able to provide it.

If you prefer to plan and conduct services yourself, the funeral service provider can offer assistance with as many or as few of the details as you wish.  Some states allow the family to conduct all services necessary for a burial, while others require a licensed funeral director to be present for burial.    Click here  to find the state regulations where you are.

If you would like to become a Committed Member of the Green Burial Alliance, please contact us.