Sticking to your values, even in death, is a testament to a life lived well. If environmental problems are at the top of your concerns, you can live and die by these values by simply considering some green alternatives to the usual burial or cremation practices. There are several options that will benefit the environment while still allowing your loved ones closure after you pass.

The Green Burial Park

Heavily lacquered coffins and chemical embalming practices aren't usually on the list of environmentally friendly practices. Fortunately, green cemeteries are on the rise. These facilities resemble a conservation park, where trees, gardens, and natural grasses abound. They are a living and breathing testament to nature. They may also be open to wildlife.

Dispersal of the Remains

These parks are primarily reserved for burial, although they may also accept cremated remains for either internment or dispersal.

Burials are usually done inside a biodegradable casket. As an alternative, the remains may also be wrapped in natural cloth that will break down over time. Cremated remains are buried without a container or inside a biodegradable box. These practices ensure the remains rejoin the natural cycle and benefit the environment.

Making a Choice

Generally, cremation is chosen because of the lower cost. It may also be seen as a green alternative to the traditional burial. Unfortunately, the amount of fuel needed to cremate remains results in a major carbon footprint. Both the fuel and the remains release pollutants.

Burial is only a concern when it is done the traditional way. A green burial results in little to no pollution and it aids the environment, since your remains feed the ecosystem. Green burials also cost a fraction of the amount of a traditional burial, so they are more on par cost-wise with cremation.

Locating a Burial Site

Currently, the biggest difficulty with green burial is finding a cemetery locally. Fortunately, demand is growing and more cemeteries are opening with this option annually. Some traditional cemeteries will also accept green burials inside biodegradable coffins, so it doesn't hurt to inquire. This may even be the best option if you have a family cemetery you wish to be interred at.

If you own land, another option is to set up your own green family cemetery in a corner of your property. Laws vary by state, so you will need to contact local authorities to find out what permits are required to set up a natural family burial site. For example, there may be rules dictating the size and location, and you may also need to perform groundwater testing to make sure pollutants don't leach from the ground and into local waterways. To find out more, speak with a business about Affordable Burial & Cremation.