Natural Burial Caskets for Green Burials

Discovering Green Burial Caskets: An Eco-Friendly Departure

In recent years, a growing number of people have begun to question the environmental impact of traditional burial practices. In response to this growing concern and through broader environmental and sustainability concerns of our own we created our signature service, Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial, offering our neighbors in the Twin Cities comprehensive green burial choices.

Among these green burial options, natural burial caskets, or green burial caskets, stand out as an environmentally friendly choice that honors the wishes of your person, while also offering a respectful, beautiful memorial service.

Green burial caskets are a unique type of coffin or casket designed with sustainability in mind. A green burial casket is an eco-friendly alternative service to conventional burial or cremation options. These caskets are crafted from materials that are biodegradable, sustainably produced, and free from harmful chemicals, varnishes, or metals.

Traditionally, a casket refers to a rectangular box, while a coffin has six sides following the contours from head to shoulders to feet. However, in the context of green burial caskets, the terms 'coffin' and 'casket' are often used interchangeably. Whether you opt for a biodegradable coffin or a biodegradable casket, the goal is the same: to provide a natural burial that respects both the deceased and the environment.

The green burial movement has been gaining traction worldwide, driven by individuals seeking more sustainable and meaningful end-of-life practices. To meet this growing demand, funeral directors and funeral homes are evolving and adopting practices that reduce their environmental footprint.

One such practice is the use of green caskets. In contrast to traditional burial, which often uses chemically treated wooden caskets or metal caskets as well as heavy concrete grave liners or vaults, green burial caskets are made from natural materials such as bamboo, willow, or seagrass. Some people even opt for burial shrouds, a fabric wrap used instead of a casket.

To assist funeral homes, families, and individuals in making informed decisions, the Green Burial Council (GBC), a nonprofit organization, has established certification standards for green burial practices. Their standards ensure that products, such as green burial caskets, are truly biodegradable, sustainably produced, and not harmful to the environment. 

The GBC’s standards for certifying green burial caskets requires manufacturers to; offset the carbon impact of transporting the casket; ensure that adhesives and finishes do not create a toxic environment in their manufacturing facilities; produce caskets free from plastics, acrylics, or any similar forms of synthetic polymers; build caskets, fasteners and handles predominantly made from reclaimed, recycled, or renewable resources that are all biodegradable, 

In February 2023 Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial became the only funeral home in Minnesota certified by the GBC, and the shrouds, carriers, and caskets we offer are Green Burial Council certified.

When it comes to choosing a green burial casket, there are many options available. You might select a woven seagrass casket for its unique look and eco-friendly production. Perhaps a wood-looking casket made from abundantly available bamboo appeals for its simplicity and natural beauty. Or, you might consider a burial shroud and woven willow carrier for its very minimal impact on the earth.

When making your choice, remember to consider the specific requirements of your chosen green cemetery. Some cemeteries have specific guidelines regarding the types of caskets or shrouds they accept. Be sure to discuss these requirements with your Interra funeral director to make an informed decision specific to your cemetery.

Choosing a green burial casket offers several benefits. Firstly, it significantly reduces the environmental impact of a burial. Traditional burials often involve chemically treated caskets and vaults, which can impact soil and groundwater. Green caskets, being biodegradable, return to the earth naturally over time. 

Secondly, green burial caskets provide a meaningful way to honor your loved ones or express your own end-of-life wishes. They reflect a commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.

Green burial caskets are an important part of the broader green burial movement. Interra strives to make these environmentally friendly alternatives readily available to anyone in the Minneapolis St. Paul area so we can hope for a future where every memorial service respects both the departed and the world they leave behind. By choosing a green burial casket, you not only honor the life of a loved one but also show a commitment to preserving and cherishing our shared environment.

For those seeking a natural, eco-friendly departure, green burial caskets represent a choice that aligns with the values of sustainability and respect for the environment. As part of an evolving funeral industry, these biodegradable caskets offer a step towards a future where our final farewell can contribute to the health and beauty of our planet.