Green Burial
What is a Green Burial?
Green burials are the closest you can come to truly “returning to the earth.” Unlike traditional burials, where the body is placed 6 feet under in a heavy, non-biodegradable casket, green burials place your loved one at a natural depth of 3 feet, allowing them to fully and gently return to the soil. This choice not only honors the life that was lived but also helps preserve land from future development, contributing to environmental conservation for generations to come.
Protecting Natural Spaces with Green Cemeteries
When you choose a green burial, you're not just making a sustainable choice—you’re also protecting rural, wooded areas from future commercial development. Green burial cemeteries follow strict environmental guidelines to ensure the land remains a sanctuary for both the living and the deceased. Be cautious, though—some cemeteries offer "green" sections, but they often fall short of the true standards upheld by dedicated green burial sites.
Shroud Burials: Embracing Simplicity
Many families are drawn to the simplicity of a shroud burial, where the body is wrapped in a natural fabric rather than placed in a traditional casket. This practice, while rarely offered by conventional funeral services, is welcomed at green cemeteries. It’s a return to the age-old way of honoring the dead, one that resonates with nature and aligns with cultural and religious traditions that value simplicity and earth-conscious practices.
A Personal, Hands-On Farewell
One of the most beautiful aspects of a green burial is the opportunity for families to take an active role in the process. You may choose to lower the casket or even fill the grave yourself, creating a deeply personal connection to the ceremony. These moments, filled with love and care, unfold at a natural, unhurried pace. There’s no rush, no artificial distractions—just the sounds of nature and the warmth of family, celebrating a life in the way that feels most meaningful to you.
Honoring Traditions and the Earth
Green burials are not a modern trend—they are a return to the traditional burial practices that were common over a century ago and still embraced by many today. For some religious groups, such as Jews and Muslims, green burials align with long-standing customs that favor eco-friendly, natural methods of burial. Choosing this path means honoring both your cultural or spiritual values, and the Earth itself.
Emotional and Environmental Healing
Yes, every funeral brings sorrow, but there’s something uniquely healing about a green burial. The connection to nature can provide comfort, offering a quiet, reflective space to mourn while also knowing that your loved one is giving something back to the planet. In the midst of loss, many families find peace in knowing they’ve chosen a path that is both respectful and sustainable.
Plan Ahead for a Thoughtful Goodbye
A green burial is a beautiful alternative to cremation or conventional burials, but it does require some forethought, especially when securing a burial plot. Planning ahead not only ensures that your wishes are honored, but also gives your family peace of mind during a difficult time. Our funeral directors are here to guide you through this process, offering support and expertise so you can make the decisions that feel right for you.
At Ripple Funeral Services, we understand how overwhelming and costly the funeral industry can be. Too often, families face unnecessary expenses and decisions that don’t align with their values. That’s why we’re here to offer a different path—one that honors your loved one and respects the planet.
Our mission is to help you explore affordable, sustainable burial options, including green cemeteries, for a meaningful and environmentally responsible farewell. If you’d like to learn more or start planning ahead, please reach out to us today. Together, we can create a farewell that truly reflects your values and leaves a positive legacy.
