Ecological Burial Options

As we move towards a more sustainable future, the demand for environmentally friendly options in every aspect of life is increasing, including the end of life practices. More and more people are choosing ecological burial, seeking an eco-friendly method that minimizes the environmental impact compared to traditional burials. In this page, we explore the various ecological burial methods and environmental burial options made available by Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial.

Each year, it is estimated that traditional burials in the US alone use 827,000 gallons of embalming chemicals, 64,500 tons of steel, and enough wood in caskets to build over two-thousand 1500 sq ft homes. These burials also involve the use of 1.6 million tons of concrete for burial vaults and the perpetual maintenance and watering of non-native grasses covering burial plots.

Not only are traditional burials resource-intensive, but there is rising concern of the environmental impact. Concern is rising that embalming fluids is a known carcinogen, and it eventually seeps into the ground, posing risks to both groundwater and soil health. Hence, the need for ecological burials, which prioritize environmental conservation and sustainability, is increasingly evident.

The most ecological burial method within the state of Minnesota is currently natural burial. Natural burials forgo the use of embalming fluids, metal or varnished wood caskets, and concrete or metal burial vaults. Instead, bodies are placed directly into the earth to decompose naturally, typically in a biodegradable coffin or burial shrouds made of natural fibers like cotton or bamboo.

The shade of green burial a person chooses is largely dependent on the policies of the cemetery they select. Some form of green burial can take place in most cemeteries, traditional cemeteries, hybrid cemeteries, or green burial grounds. 

Green cemeteries, which are specially dedicated rustic spaces, aim to conserve or restore the natural landscape. Unlike traditional cemeteries, these places generally do not allow headstones. Instead, native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, or grasses might cover the burial site, fostering an environment that allows life to continue after death in a different form.

Also known as water cremation or bio-cremation, alkaline hydrolysis is another environmental burial option. This process involves the use of water, moderate heat, and alkali to expedite the reduction of tissue to its elements. 

Aquamation uses significantly less energy compared to conventional flame cremation and does not emit harmful greenhouse gasses. The sterile liquid that is produced with an Interra water cremation and its sequestered carbon are returned to the water system, where it is treated and eventually safely rejoins the Minnesota River. The solid bone fragments are processed, similarly to cremated remains, and are returned to the family.

Once the fine remains, or “ashes,” are returned to the family they can be buried, kept in an urn, scattered on private land with the owners permission, turned into stones made of solidified remains, scattered or buried in a lake, turned into a gemstone, be placed in jewelry, or scattered at a forest conservation preserve like Better Place Forests in St Croix, MN.

Human composting, also known by its scientific name, natural organic reduction (NOR), is an innovative and eco-friendly process that transforms human remains into nutrient-rich compost. The process of human composting harnesses the power of nature to accelerate the natural decomposition process that would typically occur over a much longer time with a green burial.

During human composting, the deceased body is laid into a vessel along with organic materials like wood chips, straw, or sawdust. These materials create the ideal conditions for microbial activity and decomposition. Over a period of several weeks, natural aerobic processes break down the body, including soft tissues, into organic matter.

The process of human composting is carefully managed to ensure proper decomposition and sanitation. It typically involves controlling factors such as temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels to facilitate the breakdown of organic materials. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, and the heat they naturally create, play a crucial role in breaking down the body and transforming it into nutrient-rich compost.

Once the composting process is complete, the resulting material is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets safety standards. The resulting soil, often referred to as "human compost" or "terramains," can then be used to nourish plants and contribute to the growth of new life.

Natural burial at sea is a practice that involves the burial of human remains in the ocean allowing for a more environmentally friendly and meaningful approach to final disposition. Instead of traditional burial methods that involve embalming and the use of caskets, natural burial at sea embraces the natural cycle of life and promotes the return of the body to the Earth via the sea. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s general permit from the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act authorizes the transportation and burial at sea of non-cremated and cremated human remains in ocean waters no less than three miles away from shore.

This eco burial option and 2019 internet sensation incorporated the use of mushroom spores. The suit cost roughly $1500-$2000, and was made famous by its use for celebrity, Luke Perry’s sudden death and subsequent natural burial. The concept, developed by the now defunct company Coeio, involved a special suit embedded with hybrid mushroom spores that were purported to help decompose the body, neutralize toxins, and transfer nutrients back to the earth. 

A body dressed in the suit still needed to be buried four feet in the ground, so city and state burial regulations would still have applied. There has been speculation that the mushroom suit isn’t any more beneficial than a regular green burial without the suit, but there was no argument or evidence that it was in any way harmful. Coeio may have shuttered, and mushroom suits no longer be available, but it is good to know that people continue to explore innovative ways to naturally purify the body for its return to the earth. 

The Green Burial Council is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies funeral homes, cemeteries, and burial product providers based on their environmental principles and practices. They are a valuable resource for anyone considering an ecological burial, providing a list of certified providers and resources to help families navigate their options.

In February 2023 Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial became the only funeral home service in the state of Minnesota or western Wisconsin to be certified by the national Green Burial Council. Interra also received the National Funeral Directors’ Association Green Burial Practices Award as well as the Gold Level Green Business Award from Sustainable Stillwater.

In the journey towards greener end-of-life practices, funeral directors have an essential role to play. A licensed, experienced funeral director who is certified and knowledgeable about eco burial options can provide invaluable guidance to families seeking a more meaningful eco-friendly farewell for their loved ones. 

As green burials become more popular, funeral homes are offering various environmentally friendly options such as natural caskets or biodegradable urns. Individuals and families seeking green end of life services should look closely for providers, like Interra Green Burial, which specializes in arranging green funerals rather than selling one or two green products. Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial can answer questions, informed by experience, anytime at 651-774-9797.

Ecological burials represent a thoughtful, eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices, reducing our environmental footprint even in death. These methods not only conserve natural resources but also allow the body to reduce in a more natural way and return to the earth in a respectful, dignified manner. As awareness grows, it is hoped that more funeral homes will offer environmental burial options, contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.

Before deciding on an ecological burial, it's crucial to research the options, consult with funeral directors experienced in green practices, and understand the benefits and limitations of each method. In the end, choosing an ecological burial is a deeply personal decision, a final testament to a life lived with respect for the environment and the natural world.