The Benefits Of Natural Burials For The Environment And Personal Satisfaction

In the last few years, requests for natural burials from people seeking funeral and cremation services in Pittsburgh, PA have been rising. Methods of honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away are changing as people start looking for alternatives to traditional burials that are more environmentally friendly. Natural burials allow the body to decompose and return to the earth without the use of a casket or chemicals that may harm the environment. Here are the benefits of natural burials for both the environment and personal satisfaction.

Traditional Burials May Be Harmful To The Environment

Traditional burials require the body to be embalmed and the use of caskets and vaults. Embalming fluids can leach into the soil and find their way into the soil and groundwater, contaminating the earth and harming wildlife. Non-biodegradable caskets and vaults may also have the same effect on the environment. In addition, traditional burials require large amounts of land, which can lead to the deforestation of important ecosystems. In contrast, natural burials involve interring the body using methods that minimally impact the environment. This includes using biodegradable wicker caskets or simple shrouds.

Emotional And Spiritual Benefits

The idea of returning a deceased loved one’s remains to the earth is a comforting and spiritually satisfying concept for many families. Giving back their loved ones to nature gives them a sense of closure and makes it easier to heal. Natural burials offer a meaningful and personalized way to honor your loved one because you get to choose a burial plot in a location that holds a special meaning to you and to the deceased. That may include burying a loved one at a favorite park or nature preserve or even at home if your state’s law allows it. You can bury your loved one with personal items, such as flowers or photos that help to tell the story of their life.

The Process Of Natural Burial Is Straightforward

Preparation of the body for natural burial does not involve the use of embalming fluid. Instead, the body is washed and dressed and then placed in a biodegradable casket or a shroud. If the family still needs time to make arrangements for the burial, the body is refrigerated to slow down the decomposition process. After the funeral arrangements are completed, the body is interred in a casket or shroud and then placed in a shallow grave. You can mark the grave with a simple plaque or stone, and also plant trees or flowers at the site to help create a living memorial.

Where To Bury Your Loved One

Apart from green cemeteries, you can bury your loved one on land that is specifically designated for conservation purposes. Burying your loved one on a family farm or homestead may also be possible if the site qualifies under state and local law.

Part of our funeral and cremation services in McKees, PA is helping families return their loved ones remains to the earth in a way that is in harmony with the natural world.