green burial
As we become more environmentally conscious, even our final resting places are evolving to be more sustainable. Green burials, also known as natural burials, have become popular as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional funeral practices. This article explores the concept of green burials and their importance for environmental conservation.
What Are Green Burials
Green burials are an eco-friendly approach to laying loved ones to rest. They focus on sustainability and minimal ecological impact. Unlike traditional burials that use embalming, concrete vaults, and ornate caskets, green burials minimize waste and allow the body to return to the earth naturally.
Green burial services can be pre-arranged, and families typically receive GPS coordinates of the plot location. Communal memorial stones are usually located nearby. A permanent record of the burial details is maintained at the cemetery office.
Green burial services can be pre-arranged, and families typically receive GPS coordinates of the plot location. Communal memorial stones are usually located nearby. A permanent record of the burial details is maintained at the cemetery office.
Key Aspects of Green Burials
Green burials typically follow five principles:
- No Embalming: Green burials avoid embalming chemicals, allowing natural decomposition. This approach gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one's remains have minimal environmental impact.
- Direct to Earth Burial: Remains are wrapped in a natural, biodegradable shroud and buried directly into the earth. A fully degradable casket or container, ideally locally sourced, may be used. No grave liners or protective vaults are allowed.
- Ecological Restoration and Conservation: The natural ecology is preserved by planting native plants and shrubs, integrating the burial area into the ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths and use memorial benches when visiting loved ones.
- Communal Memorialization: In line with simplicity and environmental protection, individual memorials and decorations are not permitted on the site.
- Optimized Land Use: Green burial areas maximize grave spaces with minimal landscaping and infrastructure. Bodies are interred in the next available plot, rather than using pre-selected or reserved plots, minimizing land disruption and aiding in its return to a natural state.
Summary
Green burial is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. By using biodegradable materials and avoiding harmful chemicals, green burial allows for natural decomposition and contributes to the preservation of natural habitats. It is an option that appeals to those seeking a more eco-conscious and simple approach to end-of-life
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Green Burial Grounds in Alberta
Operated by |
Name |
Address |
Description |
City of Calgary |
Located on the east side of Ralph Klein Park in southeast Calgary. The cemetery boasts the first green burial area. |
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City of Edmonton |
Located in the Northern Lights Cemetery in Edmonton. It is the municipality's first green burial area. |
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City of Lethbridge |
Located in Royal View Memorial Cemetery in Lethbridge. It is Alberta's first municipal green burial ground. |
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Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton |
The Eparchy opened Rosehill in 1999 recognizing the need for an interdenominational cemetery in SW Edmonton that would serve all faiths and cultures with dignity and respect. Rosehill Cemetery operates as a non-profit organization using a "cost recovery" model. They do not charge GST for most services and Associates do not earn commission on sales. |
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Brazeau County |
Brazeau County provides natural burials within the Lodgepole Cemetery, located 30 km South-West of Drayton Valley, Alberta |