Should You Offer Green Burial Services?

If you're a funeral home owner looking for ways to offer more sustainable funeral services, then green burials may be the perfect option for you.

Green burials are becoming increasingly popular, as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

In this blog post, we will discuss what green funerals are, what options are available, and whether or not you should offer green burial services.

What is a Green Burial?

Nowadays, the traditional burial process is quite harmful to the environment. For example, embalming fluids used during the funeral can pollute groundwater, and coffin materials often take centuries to decompose.

A green burial is a more sustainable alternative that seeks to minimize the environmental impact of the funeral.

So, what is a green funeral? A green funeral is where the body is returned to the earth in a natural way, without the use of harmful chemicals or materials.

There are many options available for green burials, from simple shrouds to natural coffins made of sustainable materials.

Natural burials are legal in most states, and there is a growing movement of people who are interested in green funerals.

If you're looking for ways to offer more sustainable funeral services, then green burials may be the perfect option for you.

What is a Green Cemetery?

A green cemetery is not just a graveyard with nice landscaping.

A green cemetery is a burial ground that is managed in a sustainable way, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact.

Green cemeteries often use native plants and trees, and they may prohibit the use of harmful chemicals.

Many green cemeteries are also certified by third-party organizations, such as the Green Burial Council.

Are Natural Burials Legal?

Natural burials are legal in most states, with a few exceptions.

In some states, there are regulations that require the use of embalming fluids and concrete vaults.

However, these regulations are changing, and more states are beginning to allow natural burials.

Types of Green Burials

Option One: Simple Green Burials

One of the simplest green burial options is to forgo embalming fluids and use a biodegradable shroud or casket.

This option is often less expensive than a traditional funeral, and it is much better for the environment.

Option Two: Green Caskets

If you're looking for a more traditional way to offer green burials, you can use a biodegradable casket.

There are many companies that make eco-friendly caskets out of sustainable materials, such as bamboo, wicker, and heavy cardboard.

Option Three: Mushroom Burials

Mushroom burials are a new and innovative way to return the body to the earth. In this type of burial, the body is placed in a suit made of mushroom spores and other organic materials.

As the mushrooms grow, they break down the body and turn it into compost. This option is not only environmentally friendly, but it can also be a beautiful way to honor a loved one.

Option Four: Green Cremation

Cremation is often seen as the most environmentally friendly option for disposing of a body. However, traditional cremations use fossil fuels and emit harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere.

Traditional cremations are responsible for an estimated 360,000 metric tones of CO2 emissions annually in the United States alone.

Green cremations, on the other hand, use renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to minimize environmental impact. Also called aquamation, the process doesn't involve any gas or flames.

Aquamation uses water and alkali to break down the body into its component parts. This option is not only environmentally friendly, but it can also be less expensive than traditional cremation.

Should You Offer Green Burial Services?

There's no denying that the demand for sustainable funeral services is growing. More and more funeral homes are beginning to offer green burial services for this reason.

If you're considering offering green burials, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure that you are familiar with the regulations in your state. You will need to comply with all state and local laws when it comes to funeral services.

Second, consider the needs of your community. If you think there is a demand for green burial services, then it may be worth offering them.

Finally, remember that green burials are not right for everyone. Some families may prefer a more traditional funeral service.

Offering green burial services is a great way to offer sustainable funeral options for your clients and stand out from the competition. With a little bit of research, you can easily add this option to your business.

If you need help marketing your funeral services, contact Funeral Home Media today. We specialize in helping funeral homes connect with their communities and grow their businesses. Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more about our services.