What is green burial? vaults. With green burial, fewer resources are Most green cemeteries exclude embalmed Green (or natural) burial emphasizes used. remains and burial vaults; some exclude simplicity and environmental sustainability.  Eliminating hazardous chemicals. For cremated remains as well. Shrouds or caskets The body is neither cremated nor prepared some, forgoing the embalming process is the made of natural, biodegradable, non-toxic ma- with chemicals such as embalming fluids. It main attraction, since embalming fluid contains terials are often specified. Graves are typically is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant and known marked only by a natural rock, native plant or shroud and interred without a concrete burial carcinogen. In the US about 5.3 million gallons plaque flush with the ground, with grave loca- vault. The grave site is allowed to return to of embalming fluid are used every year, and fu- tions recorded by GPS. To preserve the pristine nature. The goal is complete decomposition of neral home workers are exposed to it routinely. natural landscape and protect native plants the body and its natural return to the soil. Only  Preserving natural areas. Love of nature and wildlife, most green cemeteries forbid or then can a burial truly be “ashes to ashes, dust and a desire for “eternal rest” in a forever-wild limit personal plantings and many memorial to dust,” a phrase so often used when we bury meadow or forest are frequently-cited reasons decorations like flowers, wreaths, flags, chimes, our dead. for choosing green burial. The burial sites re- balloons, and toys. Be sure to inquire about the store or preserve a natural landscape populated cemetery’s special restrictions when buying a Why choose green burial? by native trees, shrubs and wildflowers; the plot. Green burials are not new. Most burials be- sites offer food and refuge to birds and other If you or your family members own rural fore the mid-19th century were conducted this wildlife. Many green cemeteries do not use property, home burial may be an option. New way, as are many Jewish and Muslim burials fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides. So a green York State law allows burial on private prop- today. Green burials are enjoying a resurgence cemetery can be an important component in the erty, but each municipality has its own zoning in popularity, for a number of reasons: acquisition and conservation of native habitats. requirements, so be sure to check and get the  Simplicity. The idea of wrapping the body required permits. Keep in mind that unless you in a shroud or placing it in a plain, unadorned How do I choose a cemetery? have established a family cemetery on your coffin appeals to those who prefer their burial The first green cemetery opened in the US property, the land may be sold for other pur- arrangement to be simple, natural and unpre- in 1998; about sixty operate here today. Some poses, and the remains disturbed or rendered tentious. green cemeteries comprise a specially-designat- inaccessible.  Lower cost. Because green burials do not ed section within a conventional cemetery. Oth- involve embalming, fancy caskets, or concrete ers are expansive tracts of land, often contigu- How do I choose a funeral director? vaults, they can be a very cost-effective alterna- ous with an existing park, critical habitat area As green burial increases in popularity, tive to conventional burials, lowering the cost or forever-wild conservation area. more and more funeral directors are willing by thousands of dollars. If the family supplies These cemeteries near the Rochester area to offer it as an option. Some already include their own shroud or coffin, the cost can be fur- offer the option of green or natural burial: this choice on their General Price Lists. How- ther reduced.  Ascension Garden Cemetery, Henrietta ever, the Federal Trade Commission, which  Conserving natural resources. Each  Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, regulates many aspects of the funeral industry, year US cemeteries bury over 30 million board in Newfield, near Ithaca has not yet developed guidelines or standards feet of hardwood and 90,000 tons of steel in cas-  Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester for funeral homes or cemeteries offering green kets, 17,000 tons of steel and copper in vaults,  Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester burials. and 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete in  White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford The Green Burial Council lists certified pro- viders who are expected to publish and define for green burial and direct (or immediate) their green burial offerings, such as washing, burial—they should be commensurate. Shop preserving and restoring the body with bio- around among several funeral homes to find the degradable and non-toxic chemicals. They are most affordable price. also rated on their compliance with other op- You can save considerable money by pro- tional criteria, such as offering viewing without viding your own casket, rather than purchas- embalming. However, limited resources make ing highly-promoted “earth-friendly caskets” it difficult, at present, for the GBC to monitor that may cost thousands of dollars. The funeral their approved providers for continued compli- director is required by law to accept any appro- Green Burial ance. priate container you provide, without charging The National Funeral Directors Association additional fees. Homemade or store-bought cas- • • • offers its members a Green Funeral Practices kets of plain wood, cardboard or wicker would Certificate, which recognizes that the funeral be acceptable at most green cemeteries­. Instead An Environmentally home has adopted environmentally responsible of using a casket, you could wrap your loved Friendly Choice practices and offers environmentally friendly one in a favorite blanket or quilt, especially one products and services to consumers. These made of natural materials like cotton or wool. If include offering sustainable, biodegradable cas- you have time, you could sew a shroud your- kets and temporary preservation, without toxic self, or find a seamstress to make one for you at embalming, for open casket viewing. But be a reasonable price. aware that the certified provider is a member of In short, don’t fall for marketing tactics the organization awarding the certification and that appeal to your conscience while making has not necessarily been evaluated or approved a simpler send-off more costly, so you spend by any independent organization. more to get less. Choosing green burial gives you the freedom to decline unnecessary services How much does green burial cost? and merchandise. And this type of burial will In the Rochester area, a green cemetery plot, be environmentally friendly and easier on your usually much larger than one at a conventional budget, whether it’s touted as “green” or not. cemetery, costs from $1,000 to $3,300 for a body Don’t forget, our very recent ancestors called and $350 and up for cremated remains. The these practices simply “burial.” interment fee adds $600 to $1,200 more. Be sure Funeral Consumers Alliance to call the cemeteries and compare their prices. * * * of Greater Rochester 220 Winton Road South Considering the simplicity of a green burial, For more information Rochester, New York 14610 prices at some funeral homes can be surpris- Green Burial Council: www.greenburialcouncil.org (585) 461-1620 • www.fcagr.com ingly high. The charge for a simple green burial, Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Modern without visitation or funeral service, ranges Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial, Dedicated to protecting a consumer’s right to choose from $1,000 to over $5,000. To determine if a Mark Harris. NY: Scribner, 2008. a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral price is fair, compare the funeral home’s charges © Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Rochester 1/15