Frequently Asked Questions
- What are
the benefits of a green cemetery over a traditional cemetery?
- Is a
conservation easement important when considering a green burial?
- Is cremation an
environmentally sound option?
- Where can I find green/natural cemeteries in the United
States?
Clearly we see
problems at older "traditional" cemeteries. Many have few or no trees,
in others, the grounds have been destroyed through the use of
herbicides. Drainage problems can occur and herbicide use leads to
water pollution.
Cemeteries can
play an important social and environmental role. 2.2 million acres were
lost to development according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Natural Resources Conservation report issued for 1997 through 2001.
Everyday, development is taking over the natural environments created
over eons. A natural burial takes place in a natural environment where
native flora and wildlife flourish. A green cemetery provides habitat
for endemic birds and animals, returning lands to their native grasses,
flowers and shrubs.
A green burial
reduces environmental impact and conservation easements preserve our
open spaces, important not only to plants and wildlife…we find serenity
when close to nature. Interment in a beautiful and natural setting
honors those we love.
It is important to conserve our natural
landscapes before they disappear completely by encroaching development.
Conservation easements can ensure that no further development will be
allowed on the land, as all future owners of the land would be bound by
the easement. The land can be forever protected.
There are air pollution issues
caused by cremation, even the fillings in our teeth contribute to the
mercury in the atmosphere. Older burners have been replaced by double
burners which burn off many pollutants, however cremation releases
dioxin, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulphur dioxide and carbon
dioxide. Many don't realize, but cremation requires a container.
Choosing simple unlined coffins without chipboard and plastics can help
reduce pollution.
Interesting ideas have recently been developed to deal with cremated remains.
www.eternalreefs.com - Eternal Reefs Inc. is the
only company to offer underwater burial at sea in artificial reefs.
By mixing cremated remains with concrete, these artificial reefs
provide a lasting environmentally friendly memorial for families and
individuals that choose cremation.
The number one
reason people have chosen cremation? It is less
expensive than a traditional burial (which with a service
can be more than $7000). Many more companies
are offering bio-degradable urns than just a decade ago, please see links for cremation urns.
A natural burial in a green cemetery is
an affordable cremation alternative. Families do not have to incur the cost of
caskets, embalming, or burial vaults and green burials do not contribute
pollutants to the atmosphere.
Where can I find green cemeteries in the United
States?
GreenSprings Natural Cemetery - 93 acres in New York, opened in 2006 - www.naturalburial.org
Forever Fernwood - 32 acres in California, opened in 2004 - www.foreverfernwood.com
Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve - Memorial Ecosystems has 350 acres in Florida. Opened in 2002 - www.glendalenaturepreserve.org
Ramsey Creek Preserve - Memorial Ecosystems has 32 acres in South Carolina. Opened in 1996 - www.memorialecosystems.com
White Eagle Memorial Preserve - 20 acre cemetery is set within 1300 wild acres - www.naturalburialground.com
Foxfield Preserve - 43 acres in Ohio - www.foxfieldpreserve.org
Honey Creek Woodlands - Georgia - www.honeycreekwoodlands.com
Eternal Rest Memories Park - Florida – www.eternalrest.com
Cedarbrook Burial Ground - Maine
Steelmantown Cemetery - New Jersey
Praire Wilderness Cemetery - Colorado (under construction currently)
