Some Green Burial Questions
What does a green burial look like?
Typically the grave is dug by hand to a depth of three to four feet. Once the casket or shrouded body is laid to rest, the grave is filled with soil and mounded above ground. The mound allows for the natural settling and flattening of the earth that occurs over time. A marker may or may not be placed on the grave.
How are graves marked, if at all?
Depending on cemetery policies, a native fieldstone, tree, or other natural object is used to mark the grave. These kinds of markers minimize the environmental impact. Some cemeteries allow more conventional markers. More leading-edge cemeteries are even using GPS and other technologies for families to locate graves.
What burial containers are considered biodegradable?
Biodegradable containers include cloth shrouds made of natural fibers, simple wooden or fiberboard caskets without special finishes or varnish, and wicker, sea grass, and bamboo caskets.
What if there isn't a green-burial cemetery in my state?
Green burials can occur in any cemetery where a concrete vault or liner is not required by cemetery policy. Remember, a green burial is simple. It only involves an unembalmed body, a biodegradable container, and a vaultless grave. Often rural and pioneer cemeteries do not have rules requiring concrete vaults or liners.
Can a burial still be "green" if a vault is required?
Yes. You can ask the cemetery to invert the vault. This causes the bottom of the grave to be exposed to the earth, while the top of the grave has the concrete top. (Visualize an inverted, empty shoebox without its lid.) This is a common request and "green" solution, as several religious traditions already require the body to be buried in touch with the earth. A Sacred Moment can assist families in reviewing other vaultless options with cemeteries requiring a vault.
Will existing cemeteries offer green burials?
The owners of many existing cemeteries are beginning to look at the popularity of green burials with a fresh set of eyes and vision. A growing number of cemeteries are developing "green burial" sections on their properties, where uneven ground and a more natural environment are acceptable and even welcomed. Call your local cemetery and ask if they are providing these options. The more they hear from the public, the more green burials will be offered.
Is a green burial less expensive?
While a green burial is typically a less expensive burial option, many factors can influence the total cost. The 2006 national average of a conventional funeral/burial (including a casket and vault) is $7,323, per the National Funeral Directors Association. Green burial/funerals cost typically one-half to two-thirds the price of a conventional funeral/burial. Usually the cost differences are between the price of the burial container (conventional casket verses a biodegradable casket or shroud), the concrete vault (also known as a liner) and the grave marker.
