Natural burials, sometimes used interchangeably with the term, green burials, entail the interment of the body of the departed in the soil in a manner that doesn’t inhibit its decomposition rate and allows the ground to naturally recycle the organic matter. It may sound impersonal, but it is a viable burial option that has started to gain traction because of its advantages.
It is a non-traditional method of burying a body, but it is considered a more environmentally-savvy way to help the planet. Its roots are based on the principles of oneness with the environment and care for the Earth. If you’re leaning towards this type of process, you must work with seasoned professionals to help you out.
Here are the advantages of a natural burial.
Helps preserve the environment
Although there are cemeteries that you could use to bury your dead, a natural burial would entail using an individual plot, perhaps near your residence, so you wouldn’t have to use the public plots. Moreover, caskets use a large amount of wood, metal and plastic, which can damage the environment. If you choose this route, you must coordinate with experienced industry leaders such as carrollandcarrollfunerals.co.uk to provide necessary assistance for the preparation and the documentation needed to hold the ceremony. Selecting a natural burial ensures that nature will take its course and thrive
Conservation of resources
Caskets are made of wood and metal, and the number of coffins used yearly is quite a considerable number. It also equates to a lot of wood and metal resources tapped to manufacture such products. A natural burial will help you conserve such resources as you wouldn’t need to use them for your burial. The growing number of people choosing a natural burial can significantly impact conservation efforts.
Reduction of carbon footprint
Resources such as wood and metal used to manufacture the casket have a carbon footprint. However, the body is wrapped in environmentally safe material such as cotton or linen in a natural burial, which leads to a lower carbon footprint. Alternatively, poplar or pine wood caskets can also be used as they don’t use as much metal and plastic as conventional caskets.
Less pollution
One of the significant benefits of a natural burial is less pollution. There wouldn’t be any embalming fluids used to preserve the body and chemicals that could leech the water system and contaminate it. The plastic materials in caskets would also be avoided.
Cost-effective
While you may think you would have to spend a lot to prepare and preserve the body for public viewing in natural burials, it’s simpler. Funeral companies use dry ice to help prepare the body for viewing before burial. As a result, people can still pay their respects to the departed without chemicals harming the environment. In addition, the cost of natural burials is way more affordable than traditional methods.
Endnotes
Natural burials are gaining traction as an alternative burial practice. There are several advantages to such a practice which benefits the environment.