Exploring Different Types of Burials: Eco-Friendly and Traditional Options

Different Types of Burials: Green & Traditional

When we think about saying our final goodbyes, the choices we make are deeply personal. The world of burials is not just about tradition anymore; it's about options that resonate with our values and beliefs. Let's explore the variety of burial options, from the time-honored traditional methods to the emerging green alternatives, and see how they reflect our changing attitudes towards death and environmental consciousness.

Traditional Burials: A Time-Honored Practice

For many, traditional burials evoke a sense of religious continuity and respect. These typically involve an in-ground burial, often preceded by embalming, and the use of varnished wooden or metal caskets. Think of those serene cemetery scenes, with rows of headstones marking the resting places of generations. There are many for whom this creates comfort and spiritual significance.

However, many people are now considering the environmental impact of these practices. Embalming fluids, for instance, contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can seep into the ground. And there are other factors to consider, such as the near permanence of concrete and metal vaults used to encase caskets in the earth, and the finite amount of land available especially in urban areas.

Green Burial: A Return to Nature

As an alternative to traditional burials, more people are seeking green burial options. These are for those who want to leave a smaller carbon footprint even in death. Green, or natural burials bypass the chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable casket or a simple shroud, buried in a green or hybrid cemetery, and allowed to decompose naturally. It's a way of returning to the earth in the most literal sense.

Natural Burial Caskets: Merging Eco-Consciousness with Tradition

In a natural burial, family members might choose natural burial caskets made from materials like bamboo, seagrass, willow, or sustainably sourced wood. These caskets are designed to break down naturally, reducing the ecological footprint of the burial.

The Beauty of Eco-Friendly Farewells

Eco-friendly burials extend beyond just the choice of casket. Green funeral planning considers every element of the service, from reducing carbon emissions by not requiring the production and transportation of vaults that can weigh 1325 - 3400 pounds to selecting local, seasonal flowers or tree branches for decoration. Burial alternatives like this honor our connection to the earth, allowing us to leave a lighter footprint.

Exploring Alternative Burial Options

Apart from traditional and green burials, there are other alternative burial options.

Several alternative burial options are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits or unique approaches. Here are some of them:

1. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): This is a water-based process that uses alkaline chemicals, heat, and fluid movement to accelerate the body's natural breakdown. It's seen as an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation because it uses less energy and produces one tenth of the carbon emissions.
2. Natural Organic Reduction (Human Composting): This process transforms human remains into compost through a process of controlled decomposition. The resulting soil can be used in gardens or conservation lands, providing a way to give back to the earth.
3. Tree Pod Burials: In this method, the body or treated ashes are placed in a biodegradable pod which is then buried in the ground. A tree is planted above it, and the body essentially nourishes the growing tree, creating a living memorial.
4. Burial at Sea: A burial at sea happens when a deceased person's body is laid to rest in the ocean or other large body of water. It's subject to various legal and environmental regulations depending on the country and specific location.
5. Reef Burials: This involves incorporating cremated remains into an artificial reef structure, which is then placed in the ocean. These reefs provide habitats for marine life and help restore damaged coral ecosystems.
6. Space Burials: Although more symbolic than practical, a small portion of cremated remains can be sent into space. These remains either orbit the Earth, travel to the moon, or are launched into deep space.
7. Sky Burials and Tower of Silence: Excarnation is practiced in certain cultures like Tibetan Buddhism and Zoroastrianism, this involves leaving the body exposed to the elements and scavenging birds, symbolizing a return to nature and the cycle of life.

Each of these options offers a different approach to the traditional burial or cremation processes and reflects varying cultural, environmental, and personal beliefs and preferences.

Are Natural Burials an Option in Minnesota?

Yes, natural burials are indeed an option in Minnesota. The state has several natural and hybrid burial grounds and Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is certified by the national Green Burial Council to provide this specialty service. As of 2023 the legislature did issue a two-year moratorium on the creation of new green cemeteries but green burials can still absolutely be performed. The moratorium was granted to allow for further study with results expected in 2025 when the moratorium is set to expire.

Green Burial Option: Where to Find Green Burial Services

At the time of publishing, Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is the only service provider offering the three main green burial options for those seeking one of the eco-conscious choices; green burial, aquamation, and natural organic reduction (composting).

The Importance of Honoring Loved Ones

Ultimately, whether we choose a traditional or an ecological burial, the essence lies in honoring our loved ones in a way that reflects their values and our own. Each burial option offers a unique way to commemorate a life lived and a legacy left behind.

In Conclusion

Different types of burial services offer us a way to align our final farewell with our values. Whether it's a traditional in-ground burial, a serene natural burial, or an innovative interment at sea, each method offers a way to honor our loved ones. As we become more conscious of our environmental impact, options like green burials present a thoughtful alternative, allowing us to say goodbye in a way that cherishes our planet.

In exploring different types of burial options, we find that at the heart of it all is a deep respect for life and an enduring love for those who have passed. Each choice, whether traditional or alternative, holds its own beauty and significance, offering a farewell in harmony with our beliefs, our love for our family member, and our eternal connection to nature.