A natural burial is a green alternative to traditional burial methods. It entails interring a body in a manner that enables it to decompose naturally and integrate back into the earth. This method steers clear of using embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. Instead, the departed is laid to rest in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and buried in a specially designated natural burial site.
People opt for natural burial for several reasons, with a primary one being their wish to minimise their environmental impact. Conventional burial methods frequently include embalming fluids, metal caskets, as well as concrete vaults, all of which cause harmful effects on the environment. By opting for natural burial, people can minimise their impact on the planet by allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.Another reason people choose natural burial is for the sense of connection it provides to nature. Natural burial grounds are often located in beautiful, natural settings such as woodlands or meadows. Families can visit the gravesite and feel a sense of peace and tranquillity, knowing that their loved one is resting in harmony with the environment.Moreover, natural burial provides a deeply personal and poignant avenue to pay homage to the memory of a cherished individual. Families can choose biodegradable coffins or shrouds made from natural materials, and they can participate in the burial process in a more hands-on way if they wish. This can provide a sense of closure and healing during the grieving process.Overall, people choose natural burial because it aligns with their values of environmental stewardship, connection to nature, and honouring the memory of their loved ones in a meaningful way.
Yes, natural burial is generally considered to be better for the environment compared to traditional burial practices. There are several reasons for this:
Natural burial provides a gentler and more intimate farewell for the deceased and their loved ones. Here’s why:
Natural burial is guided by a set of principles that prioritise environmental sustainability and simplicity. These principles include:
Why Do People Choose Natural Burial?
People opt for natural burial for several reasons, with a primary one being their wish to minimise their environmental impact. Conventional burial methods frequently include embalming fluids, metal caskets, as well as concrete vaults, all of which cause harmful effects on the environment. By opting for natural burial, people can minimise their impact on the planet by allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.Another reason people choose natural burial is for the sense of connection it provides to nature. Natural burial grounds are often located in beautiful, natural settings such as woodlands or meadows. Families can visit the gravesite and feel a sense of peace and tranquillity, knowing that their loved one is resting in harmony with the environment.Moreover, natural burial provides a deeply personal and poignant avenue to pay homage to the memory of a cherished individual. Families can choose biodegradable coffins or shrouds made from natural materials, and they can participate in the burial process in a more hands-on way if they wish. This can provide a sense of closure and healing during the grieving process.Overall, people choose natural burial because it aligns with their values of environmental stewardship, connection to nature, and honouring the memory of their loved ones in a meaningful way.Is Natural Burial Better for the Environment?
Yes, natural burial is generally considered to be better for the environment compared to traditional burial practices. There are several reasons for this:- Minimal Use of Harmful Chemicals: Traditional embalming fluids contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the environment. In natural burial, embalming is typically not used or is done with eco-friendly alternatives, reducing the release of harmful substances into the soil and groundwater as well as allowing the body to breakdown quicker.
- Biodegradable Materials: Natural burial involves using biodegradable materials for the coffin or shroud, allowing the body to decompose naturally. In contrast, traditional burial practices often involve the use of metal caskets and concrete vaults. These materials can take decades or even centuries to break down, leading to environmental pollution and depletion of resources.
- Preservation of Natural Landscapes: Natural burial sites are commonly situated in natural surroundings, including forests, meadows, and conservation areas. Opting for natural burial means individuals play a part in safeguarding these landscapes, establishing sanctuaries that support wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity.
Natural Burial Offers a Gentler Goodbye
Natural burial provides a gentler and more intimate farewell for the deceased and their loved ones. Here’s why:- Connection to Nature: Natural burial takes place in serene and natural environments, such as meadows, forests, or conservation areas. Being laid to rest in such tranquil surroundings can offer a sense of peace and connection to the natural world, which can be comforting for both the departed and those saying goodbye.
- Simplicity and Serenity: Unlike the formalities of traditional burials, natural burials are often simpler and more serene. There’s a raw beauty in returning to the earth in a biodegradable coffin or shroud without the elaborate trappings of conventional funerals. This simplicity can make the goodbye process feel more intimate and personal.
- Emotional Healing: Natural burial can facilitate emotional healing for grieving families. Being involved in the burial process, whether preparing the grave or planting a tree at the site, can provide a sense of closure and peace. It allows loved ones to participate in a meaningful way, honouring the memory of the deceased and finding solace in the cycle of life.
- Continued Connection: Natural burial sites often encourage ongoing engagement with the environment. Families can visit the gravesite to reflect, remember, and find solace amidst nature’s beauty. The landscape becomes a memorial offering a tangible connection to the departed that can endure for generations.
Principles of Natural Burial
Natural burial is guided by a set of principles that prioritise environmental sustainability and simplicity. These principles include:- Minimal Environmental Impact: Natural burial aims to minimise the environmental footprint associated with end-of-life practices. This is achieved by using biodegradable materials for coffins or shrouds, avoiding embalming fluids containing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, and refraining from using non-biodegradable burial containers such as metal caskets or concrete vaults.
- Conservation of Natural Resources: Natural burial prioritises the conservation of natural resources by opting for materials that are sustainable and renewable. This may include coffins from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, wicker, or other natural fibres. By choosing materials that can be quickly replenished, natural burial reduces the strain on finite resources.
- Preservation of Natural Habitats: Natural burial grounds are often situated in natural settings, such as woodlands, meadows, or conservation areas. These sites are carefully chosen to preserve and enhance the surrounding natural habitats. By integrating burial practices with existing ecosystems, natural burial contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of native flora and fauna.
- Respect for the Deceased: Central to the principles of natural burial is a deep respect for the deceased and their journey beyond life. Natural burial aims to pay tribute to the memory of the departed by enabling them to return to the earth with dignity and reverence. This may involve ceremonies or rituals that acknowledge the interconnectedness of all living things and celebrate the life that has passed.
- Community Engagement and Education: Natural burial advocates for community engagement and education surrounding end-of-life choices and environmental sustainability. By spreading knowledge about the advantages of natural burial and offering support for well-informed decision-making, communities empower individuals to make choices that align with their values and create a beneficial effect on the environment.