Are Natural Burials an Option in Minnesota?

Natural burials are an option in Minnesota. The state has several natural and hybrid burial grounds, and Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is certified by the Green Burial Council to provide this service. Although there was a two-year moratorium issued in 2023 on creating new green cemeteries for further study, natural burials can still be performed. The moratorium results are expected in 2025, when it is set to expire.

What is Flameless Cremation?

Flameless cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. This process uses a combination of water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate natural tissue disintegration, resulting in cremated remains that can be buried, kept in an urn, placed at a conservation tree, or scattered.

How Does Flameless Cremation Work?

In flameless cremation, the body is placed in a pressure vessel and submerged in a solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide. The vessel is heated to 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the temperatures used in traditional flame cremations.

Is Flameless Cremation Environmentally Friendly?

Flameless cremation is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. It uses lower temperatures, does not burn propane or natural gas, and reduces carbon emissions.

Is Flameless Cremation Safe and Legal?

Flameless cremation is both safe and legal. It ensures environmentally responsible handling of remains, allows for the extraction and recycling of medical implants, and has been legal in Minnesota since its endorsement by the Mayo Clinic for its ecological benefits and efficient handling of medical implants.

How Much Does Flameless Cremation Cost?

The cost of flameless cremation varies by location and funeral home but is generally comparable to or slightly higher than traditional cremation. The specialized equipment and reduced environmental impact often justify the cost for many families.

What is a Natural Burial?

A natural burial is an eco-friendly funeral practice that allows the body to return to the earth in an environmentally conscious manner. It minimizes the use of chemicals, like embalming fluids, and avoids materials like concrete used in traditional burial vaults. By forgoing these practices, natural burial conserves resources, prevents pollution, and reduces carbon footprint.

What is a Natural Burial Option?

Natural burial options include choices for an eco-friendly burial, such as using natural burial caskets, selecting a green burial site, or integrating cremated remains into natural burial grounds.

What is a Natural Burial Cemetery?

A natural burial cemetery, like Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, is specifically designed for natural burials. These cemeteries have minimal environmental impact and often resemble natural landscapes rather than traditional cemeteries.

How Many Burials Do Not Involve Embalming?

This leaves 885,320 burials with possible embalming. According to former Green Burial Council President, Ed Bixby it’s estimated that 8% of people choose green burials. (3) Whether that includes those people buried without embalming in the Jewish and Muslim traditions, he did not specify, but if we’re generous and say it is 8% of people already choosing burial and are in addition to Jewish and Muslim burials, that would subtract another 70,825 from annual embalmings. This would mean, in the United States there are an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Used Per Person?

Roughly three gallons are used. What percentage of that is formaldehyde depends on the practitioner and what someone considers “embalming fluid”. Rarely, practitioners will use undiluted embalming solution, but the vast majority use a diluted solution.

What Is Embalming Fluid Made Of?

There are generally 16oz of concentrated embalming solution diluted with 112 oz of water to create one gallon of usable embalming fluid. So, each gallon of commonly used embalming fluid is more than 87.5% water. Each manufacturer has a proprietary formula to their 16oz concentrated embalming solution, but according to manufacturer, Dodge’s Safety Data Sheet (10) for their commonly used Metasyn Normal concentrated embalming solution, 1.6-4 oz. (10-25%) is formaldehyde, a regulated carcinogen. Other regulated substances included are up to 0.8 oz each of methanol and propylene glycol, neither of which is a regulated carcinogen.

How Much Embalming Fluid Is Used Per Body?

There is a broad rule of thumb that one gallon of embalming fluid is used per 50 pounds of body weight. But the amount of embalming fluid used also depends on the size of the person. In practice, it generally works out to an average of about 3 gallons of embalming fluid per body, of which up to 12 oz is formaldehyde.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Buried Each Year In The US?

Each year an estimated 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid are buried in the United States. This amount is reached from an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year, times three gallons per body. Of those 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid used, there are generally up to 4 oz of formaldehyde per gallon, which means roughly 97,740 gallons of formaldehyde are buried with embalmed bodies in the US each year.

Is Green Burial Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, green burial in Minnesota is legal. The state allows for natural burials, where the body is not embalmed and can be buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. Minnesota hosts several green cemeteries and allows hybrid cemeteries, which accommodate both traditional and green burials.

Is Green Burial Legal in Arizona?

Snow birds might like to know that Arizona also permits green burials. The state's regulations support eco-friendly burial practices, including the use of biodegradable materials and the option to forgo embalming. This makes Arizona an accommodating place for those wishing to opt for a green burial.

Is Green Burial Illegal in Minnesota Now?

Because of a green burial law that passed in Minnesota in 2022 some people think that green burial is illegal in MN, which is incorrect. As part of the Omnibus bill that passed in 2023 there was a small piece of legislation with a bigger impact, but it did not make green burial illegal in Minnesota. What it did do is create a moratorium on new green burial cemeteries through 2025 when the law is set to expire.

Why Did the Moratorium Happen?

A small group of citizens in Northern Minnesota were upset about a green burial cemetery being established in their community and their concerns turned into legislation requiring the state to fund and study the impact of all-natural burial. It also prohibited any new green cemeteries or conservation burial grounds until July 2025. Being that green burial was the form of disposition for every interred human in history until embalming became popularized during the Civil War, we’re confident that allowing a body to naturally return to the Earth will be found to be safe.

Can I Bury Someone In My Yard?

It depends on local ordinances and how much work you’re willing to do. In Minnesota, if you want to bury a human body on private land, that land has to be identified as cemetery property in perpetuity. This also means that cemetery land would need to a permitted land use in your city’s code and also that specific funding needs to be set aside to maintain that cemetery land in perpetuity.

What is Body Composting?

Body composting, or human composting, is a process that transforms human remains into highly regenerative soil, often used in tree planting, conservation projects, gardens, or woodlands. It's part of a broader movement towards green burial services, including natural burials and other ecological burial practices. Unlike traditional burials, body composting is an environmentally friendly method that avoids the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, concrete burial vaults, and perpetual land use.

How Does Body Composting Work?

The human composting process, scientifically referred to as natural organic reduction (NOR), involves placing the human body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over a span of several weeks, natural microbial activity breaks down the tissue, transforming it into a cubic yard of nutrient dense compost. This method mirrors the natural aerobic (oxygen using) decomposition process but occurs in a controlled environment. Though each NOR provider has their own specific method, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University, has worked with NOR advocate Katrina Spade pioneering the development and refinement the human composting process. The body, along with the organic materials and air flow, undergoes a natural, heat-producing process that accelerates decomposition while eliminating pathogens and capturing the body’s carbon. The end product is a nutrient-rich soil that can support plant growth, allowing the deceased to be returned to the earth in a meaningful way.

Is Body Composting Legal?

The legality of body composting varies by location. In the United States, it was first legalized in Washington state, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Since then, other states have been considering or have passed legislation to allow this process as a part of green burials.

What are the Benefits of Body Composting?

Body composting offers several benefits over conventional burial and cremation methods: Environmental Impact: Traditional burials often involve embalming fluids, and the manufacturing and transportation of caskets and vaults which carry a carbon footprint. Cremation consumes fuel and releases greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, local body composting produces no direct carbon emissions, sequesters the carbon from the body in the soil keeping it from entering the atmosphere, and requires significantly fewer consumable resources. Conservation: The process transforms human remains into soil that can be used to nourish the earth. It's a way of giving back to the environment, contributing to the growth of plants and the conservation of natural spaces. Cost-Effective: The human composting cost can be lower than traditional burials or cremations. While prices vary, local NOR providers are often considered a more affordable green funeral option. Emotional and Spiritual Benefits: For many, the idea of being laid to rest in a natural and meaningful way is comforting, helping to create a positive outcome from the end of their life. The process of human composting aligns with the beliefs of those who seek the continuity of simply returning to the earth. Space Conservation: In areas where burial space is limited or land is scarce, body composting offers a space-efficient alternative whole-body burial. The composted remains can return to the earth without requiring that land be designated, in perpetuity, as cemetery land.

Why Support Body Composting?

Natural organic reduction not only aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship but also offers a deeply personal and meaningful option for being laid to rest. The transformation of human remains into soil is a profound process, symbolizing the cycle of life in a tangible way. As we continue to seek sustainable and meaningful ways to say goodbye to our loved ones, body composting stands out as a beacon of hope, offering a choice that is both respectful to the departed and kind to the planet.

How Does Water Cremation Work?

In water cremation, the body is placed in a vessel filled with a water and alkali solution. The liquid in the vessel is then heated, but at a drastically lower heat than used in flame cremation. The combination of the heat, fluid movement, water, and alkali breaks down the soft tissue, leaving behind the bone material and a sterile liquid.

What is Water Cremation and How Does It Differ from Flame Cremation?

Water cremation reduces a body using water and alkali, whereas flame cremation uses combustible fossil fuels. Flame cremation involves reducing the body at very high temperatures, and water cremation uses roughly five times less heat, but both result in processed bone material or “ashes,” being returned to the family in an urn or receptacle.

Is Water Cremation More Environmentally Friendly than Flame Cremation?

Water cremation is generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional flame cremation. It uses electricity to heat the solution and doesn’t directly emit fossil fuel exhaust into the atmosphere. Aquamation also captures the carbon from the body in the solution producing a sterile liquid that can safely be returned to the wastewater system.

Is Water Cremation More Expensive than Flame Cremation?

The cost of water cremation can vary depending on location and provider. In some cases, often it is more costly than traditional flame cremation due to the specialized equipment required and the longer processing time. However, at Interra Green Burial we want to encourage families to use this ecological cremation option, so an aquamation without services is less than Mueller Memorial’s flame cremation.

Products

Green Burial Caskets & Products

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Below is our selection. To narrow the search please pick which option is best for your loved one.

Embracing the Natural End: An Introduction to Green Burial Products

At the end of life, we all deserve an environmentally friendly and dignified send-off that echoes the principles we stood for during our lifetime. This is the philosophy that's fueling the green burial movement and why Interra Green Burial by Mueller has worked with the Green Burial Council and ecologically conscious suppliers to provide responsibly sourced, sustainable, biodegradable funeral transporters and urns.

More people are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial practices. This shift in mindset has led to the rise of green burial caskets, natural shrouds, carriers, and cremation urns, allowing us to leave this world in a way that honors the environment that sustained us in life.

Green Burial Caskets: An Eco-friendly Farewell

A green burial casket is an enclosed, biodegradable coffin made from natural materials, a central item among green burial products. Compared to conventional options, these green caskets offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative. Natural caskets can be made of various biodegradable materials such as bamboo, wicker, or seagrass. They offer a high quality, aesthetically pleasing option for those who want their final resting place to reflect their environmental values.

Wooden caskets are also a popular choice. These caskets are typically crafted from sustainably sourced timber, providing an additional dimension of eco-friendliness. They align perfectly with the natural burial ethos, as they degrade naturally over time and return their carbon back to the earth.

Natural Burial Shrouds: Embracing the Simplicity

For those seeking an even simpler and more natural option, green burial shrouds offer an elegant solution. A shroud for a natural burial is typically a piece of biodegradable fabric, either cotton or bamboo cloth, used to respectfully wrap the body. This practice hearkens back to ancient burial traditions and fosters a deeper connection between the person who died, their survivors and the Earth.

The visual experience of burying a shroud is different from burying a casket. The outline of the body is visible in a shroud and carrier which can make for a more impactful burial experience for the survivors. Some families choose to adorn the shrouded body with wildflowers, garlands, or tree branches adding a personal touch and a feeling of inclusive ritual.

The Choice of Carriers: Being Carried Naturally

In addition to green burial caskets and shrouds, carriers made from sustainable materials offer a practical, eco-friendly solution for transporting the deceased. Generally, a shroud is paired with an open-top woven willow carrier with handles on each side to help safely lift and carry, making transporting easier for the family, funeral staff, and pall bearers. These carriers, like all green burial products offered at Interra, are certified by the national Green Burial Council and meet their rigorous standards for quality and sustainability.

How Much Do Green Burial Products Cost vs Traditional Burial Products?

Green burial caskets, carriers, and shrouds typically have a lower cost than traditional burial products that are built with metals or highly finished, polished hardwoods. The cost of a green burial shroud, carrier, or casket can range from $550 to $2,300. The cost of a traditional burial casket generally ranges from $1,300 to well over $4,000.

Green Burial Urns: An Earth-friendly Resting Place

Green burial urns provide an excellent option for those choosing aquamation. Made from biodegradable materials like sand, paper, or even salt, these urns gradually dissolve when placed in water or buried in the ground, leaving no trace behind. This method not only respects the environment but also offers a visually pleasing and unique farewell ceremony. Green burial urns range from $50 to $500.

Why Choose Green Burial Products?

Choosing green burial over traditional burial practices helps to reduce the environmental impact associated with end-of-life services. Traditional burials often involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable caskets, which may contribute to polluting the soil and groundwater. On the other hand, green burial products are designed to break down naturally, nourishing the earth rather than taking away from it.

Furthermore, some funeral homes offer one or two green burial products but aren’t experienced in offering truly green funeral services. When planning a green burial or cremation, ensure to inquire about the sourcing of these products and make sure those products are Green Burial Council certified.

Green Burial Council Product Certification

Many of the products used by Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial have passed the national Green Burial Council’s (GBC) stringent guidelines for sustainability. In order for a product to be certified by the GBC it must meet the following standards:

The production process of finishes doesn't result in the emission of harmful by-products within the manufacturing plant.
Finishes are devoid of plastics, acrylics, or any similar forms of synthetic polymers.
The manufacturing process of adhesives doesn't lead to the release of hazardous by-products within the factory.
Adhesives are free from plastics, acrylics, or other related synthetic polymers.
The primary constituent of the shell is reclaimed, recycled, or renewable resources as per the definition by the Green Building Council (GBC).
The principal material used in the shell degrades naturally after burial.
The shell's main material is procured in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability, verified by a GBC-recognized third-party trust provider.
The liner is predominantly made from reclaimed, recycled, or renewable resources, following the guidelines defined by the GBC.
The liner's main material is biodegradable when buried.
The liner is primarily composed of material sourced in an eco-friendly way, as validated by a third-party trust provider endorsed by the GBC.
Fasteners and handles are primarily made from a substance that biodegrades under burial conditions.
Fasteners and handles are primarily composed of a material that is sourced sustainably, as certified by a third-party trust provider acknowledged by the GBC.
The greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the transport of any component material to the manufacturing site have been offset through an approved program.
The greenhouse gas emissions from transporting the final product to the customer's location have been offset through an approved program.

Green Burial Flowers

For most families choosing green burial, simplicity is the order of the day when choosing flowers. Large sprays of exotic flowers are often passed over for natural, native flora. One family we served at Interra had a large evergreen fall the same day their person died. So the family chose to cut branches from the felled tree and placed them around the shroud in the carrier which added a lovely natural pine scent to the burial ceremony. It was a beautiful and deeply personal tribute.

Your Interra services director can help you decide what kind of flowers, plants, or greenery will enhance your ceremony. These could be purchased from our trusted and creative independent florist or it can be flowers from your garden. We are open to any ideas that will make your ceremony more meaningful.

Green Burial Laws

And always remember that funeral laws and green burial laws are the same and any funeral home or green burial service provider is obligated to adhere to the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule which encourages you to, “Buy only the funeral arrangements you want. You have the right to buy separate goods (such as caskets) and services (such as embalming or a memorial service). You do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want.” Green burial is all about choice and Interra wants you to have the interment that’s right for you and your people.

Join the Burial Movement

The green burial movement is not just about choosing environmentally friendly caskets, shrouds, or urns. It's about embracing a philosophy that values our connection with the Earth, even in death. The green burial casket, the shroud for a natural burial, the eco-friendly urn—all these are manifestations of a desire to leave a minimal footprint on the environment that nourished us throughout our lives.

Choosing green burial products, therefore, is a way to ensure our final act is one of gratitude and respect for our planet. These natural alternatives align our end-of-life choices with a lifelong commitment to sustainability, allowing us to return to the earth with the same care and reverence with which we lived.

Remember, every green burial, every biodegradable coffin, every natural burial casket, is a tribute to the beauty and resilience of the environment. Embrace this final act of love for our planet, and let's make the green burial movement the norm, not the exception.

Common Questions

What material is used for green burial products?

Green burial caskets are most commonly made from woven willow or seagrass, or planks of bamboo. Shrouds are generally made from cotton or bamboo cloth.
What products can be used in a green burial?

Products for green burials are generally centered around the safe movement of the body such as a biodegradable casket, carrier, or shroud. Other green burial products could include flowers, biodegradable urns for aquamated remains, or scattering urns.
How much do green burial products cost vs traditional burial products?

Green burial shrouds, carriers, and caskets generally cost less than traditional burial products. Green burial products use sustainable and readily available materials making them less costly to produce than the metals or highly finished, polished hardwood used in traditional services.

Products

Green Burial Caskets & Products

Natural Burial Caskets

Shrouds & Carriers

Outer Burial Containers

Natural Cremation Urn