What Is Green Burial? Why Choose Green Burial? How Do I Choose a Cemetery? How Do I Choose a Funeral Director?

What is green burial? Eliminating hazardous chemicals. For some, and burial vaults; some exclude cremated remains forgoing the embalming process is the main attrac- as well. Shrouds or caskets made of natural, biode- Green (or natural) burial emphasizes simplicity and tion, since embalming fluid contains formaldehyde, a gradable, non-toxic materials are often specified. environmental sustainability. The body is neither respiratory irritant and known carcinogen. In the US Graves are typically marked only by a natural rock, cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as about 5.3 million gallons of embalming fluid are used native plant or plaque flush with the ground, with embalming fluids. It is simply placed in a biodegrad- every year, and funeral home workers are exposed to grave locations recorded by GPS. To preserve the able coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete it routinely. pristine natural landscape and protect native plants burial vault. The grave site is allowed to return to and wildlife, most green cemeteries forbid or limit nature. The goal is complete decomposition of the Preserving natural areas. Love of nature and a personal plantings and many memorial decorations body and its natural return to the soil. Only then desire for “eternal rest” in a forever-wild meadow or like flowers, wreaths, flags, chimes, balloons, and can a burial truly be “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” a forest are frequently cited reasons for choosing green toys. Be sure to inquire about the cemetery’s special phrase so often used when we bury our dead. burial. The burial sites restore or preserve a natural restrictions when buying a plot. landscape populated by native trees, shrubs and wild- Why choose green burial? flowers; the sites offer food and refuge to birds and If you or your family members own rural property, other wildlife. Many green cemeteries do not use fertil- home burial may be an option. New York State law Green burials are not new. Most burials before the izer, pesticides, or herbicides. So a green cemetery can allows burial on private property, but each munici- mid-19th century were conducted this way, as are be an important component in the acquisition and pality has its own zoning requirements, so be sure many Jewish and Muslim burials today. Green buri- conservation of native habitats. to check and get the required permits. Keep in mind als are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, for a that unless you have established a family cemetery number of reasons: How do I choose a cemetery? on your property, the land may be sold for other Simplicity. The idea of wrapping the body in a purposes, and the remains disturbed or rendered The first green cemetery opened in the US in 1998; shroud or placing it in a plain, unadorned coffin ap- inaccessible. over 90 operate here today. Some green cemeter- peals to those who prefer their burial arrangement ies comprise a specially-designated section within a to be simple, natural and unpretentious. conventional cemetery. Others are expansive tracts of How do I choose a funeral director? Lower cost. Because green burials do not involve land, often contiguous with an existing park, critical As green burial increases in popularity, more and embalming, fancy caskets, or concrete vaults, they habitat area or forever-wild conservation area. more funeral directors are willing to offer it as an can be a very cost-effective alternative to conven- option. Some already include this choice on their tional burials, lowering the cost by thousands of dol- These cemeteries near the Rochester area offer the General Price Lists. However, the Federal Trade lars. If the family supplies their own shroud or coffin, option of green or natural burial: Commission, which regulates many aspects of the the cost can be further reduced. Ascension Garden Cemetery, Henrietta funeral industry, has not yet developed guidelines or Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, in Conserving natural resources. Each year US standards for funeral homes or cemeteries offering Newfield, near Ithaca cemeteries bury over 30 million board feet of hard- green burials. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester wood and 90,000 tons of steel in caskets, 17,000 tons Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester The Green Burial Council lists certified funeral pro- of steel and copper in vaults, and 1.6 million tons White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford viders who are required, among other things, to: of reinforced concrete in vaults. With green burial, Use only non-toxic, biodegradable chemicals or fewer resources are used. Most green cemeteries exclude embalmed remains FUNERAL CONSUMERS ALLIANCE OF GREATER ROCHESTER basic cooling methods to preserve the body You can save considerable money by providing your Offer viewing or home vigils without embalming own casket, rather than purchasing highly-promoted Carry at least three GBC approved containers “earth-friendly caskets” that may cost thousands However, limited resources make it difficult, at pres- of dollars. The funeral director is required by law ent, for the GBC to monitor their approved providers to accept any appropriate container you provide, for continued compliance. without charging additional fees. Homemade or store-bought caskets of plain wood, cardboard or The National Funeral Directors Association offers wicker would be acceptable at most green cemeter- its members a Green Funeral Practices Certificate, ies. Instead of using a casket, you could wrap your which recognizes that the funeral home has adopted loved one in a favorite blanket or quilt, especially environmentally responsible practices and offers one made of natural materials like cotton or wool. If environmentally friendly products and services you have time, you could sew a shroud yourself, or to consumers. These include offering sustainable, find a seamstress to make one for you at a reason- Green Burial biodegradable caskets and temporary preservation, able price. without toxic embalming, for open casket viewing. But be aware that the certified provider is a member In short, don’t fall for marketing tactics that appeal of the organization awarding the certification and to your conscience while making a simpler send-off has not necessarily been evaluated or approved by more costly, so you spend more to get less. Choosing An Environmentally any independent organization. green burial gives you the freedom to decline unnec- essary services and merchandise. And this type of Friendly Choice How much does green burial cost? burial will be environmentally friendly and easier on your budget, whether it’s touted as “green” or not. In the Rochester area, a green cemetery plot, usually Don’t forget, our very recent ancestors called these much larger than one at a conventional cemetery, practices simply “burial.” costs from $1,000 to $3,300 for a body and $350 and up for cremated remains. The interment fee adds $600 to $1,200 more. Be sure to call the cemeteries For more information and compare their prices. Green Burial Council: www.greenburialcouncil.org Considering the simplicity of a green burial, prices Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern Funeral at some funeral homes can be surprisingly high. The Industry to a Natural Way of Burial, Mark Harris. NY: Scribner, 2008. charge for a simple green burial, without visita- tion or funeral service, ranges from $1,000 to over Funeral Consumers Alliance $5,000. To determine if a price is fair, compare the of Greater Rochester funeral home’s charges for green burial and direct Dedicated to protecting a consumer’s right to choose (or immediate) burial—they should be commensu- a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral rate. Shop around among several funeral homes to PO Box 77162 • Rochester, NY 14617 • 585-461-1620 • find the most affordable price. © Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Rochester 11/20 Rev. www.fcagr.com • [email protected].

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