Green burial, also known as natural burial, is a practice going back to our roots to a time when we cared for our own dead. It is burying our dead in an environmentally respectful way, omitting damaging chemicals, and using biodegradable materials for the burial. It allows for in in-ground composting/decomposition, in a shallower grave to encourage new life to grow from the matter that used to be a body. The goal is to give our matter back to the earth, as a carbon negative gift, that becomes new life. Some key features of green burial include:

1. 1. Biodegradable Materials: In a green burial, the body is typically placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud made from natural materials such as bamboo, wicker, or simple untreated wood. The idea is to allow the body to decompose naturally and contribute to the nutrient and life cycle.
   2. No Embalming: Embalming, a process that involves the use of chemicals to preserve the body, is not used in green burials. Instead, the body is allowed to break down naturally. The body is typically cooled until the time of burial.
   3. Natural Landscapes: Green burials taking place in designated natural or conservation cemeteries emphasize the preservation of natural ecosystems. These cemeteries may have group memorial markers instead of individual headstones preserving uninterrupted natural landscape.
   4. Conservation of Resources: Green burials aim to conserve resources by avoiding the use of non-biodegradable materials and chemicals. Some cemeteries are also advocating for the reuse of graves, which would decrease the land footprint needed for green cemeteries.
   5. Minimal Cemetery Infrastructure: Traditional cemeteries often involve significant infrastructure, such as concrete vaults and elaborate headstones. Green cemeteries, on the other hand, typically have minimal infrastructure to maintain a more natural and undeveloped landscape.

Green burial is a sustainable and ecologically appropriate option for those who wish to minimize their environmental footprint even in death.

Trish Penner

Green Burial Society of Canada Board member

Green Cemetery Project Winnipeg