Many of you have probably attended a funeral or visited a cemetery where you’ve seen rows of headstones marking traditional graves. You may also have seen columbaria or niche walls where cremated remains are placed. But have you ever heard of a natural burial or visited a green burial section in a cemetery?
Natural burial—also called “eco-friendly” or “green” burial—isn’t a new idea. In fact, it’s the way most people were buried more than 150 years ago, before embalming and concrete vaults became common. Today, this practice is gaining renewed interest, especially among people who want to be mindful of their environmental impact and care for the Earth.
A quick online search reveals some eye-opening facts about the environmental impact of traditional burials in the U.S. Every year, it’s estimated that more than 4 million gallons of embalming fluid, 20 million board feet of hardwood, 64,500 tons of steel, and 1.6 million tons of concrete are used.
You might be thinking, “Well, I plan to be cremated, so that doesn’t affect me.” But actually, cremation, while it seems simpler, also uses fossil fuels and produces around 500 pounds of carbon dioxide per person—that’s about the same as driving from San Juan to New York (that is, if you could drive that distance) or from Mexico City to Monterrey. Plus, cremation can release other pollutants into the air.
This is where natural burial comes in. We see it as a truly eco-friendly and respectful alternative. Depending on the cemetery, there may be different “levels” of green burial. In its most traditional form, the grave is dug and filled by hand, no embalming is done, and the person is buried in a simple wooden casket or just wrapped in a shroud (made of natural materials like cotton or linen—no synthetics). These areas often look more like nature parks, with tall grass, trees, and wildflowers instead of manicured lawns, and typically without traditional marble or granite headstones.
So, what about those different “levels”? Some cemeteries allow natural burials in their regular sections, where you might be able to use a shroud or may need to use a vault that is open at the bottom so the earth can do its work. Others have dedicated areas set aside specifically for natural burials. Some are very strict and even check to make sure no metal parts are used in the casket. It’s also important to know that in many cases, cremated remains are not allowed in natural burial sections because cremation isn’t considered fully eco-friendly.
If you’re curious about this topic—maybe because the idea of “returning to the earth” in a simple, traditional way appeals to you—I recommend visiting the Green Burial Council’s website at www.greenburialcouncil.org. They offer many resources and even have a tool to help you find green burial providers near you. (Fun fact: Gethsemane Cemetery is on their list!)
And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call or visit us. We are honored to guide and support you in these meaningful decisions.
Tim Kolasa, Executive Director
Gethsemane & St Mary Cemeteries
