What is a green burial?
It's an earth-friendly burial. Also known as a natural or organic burial, everything is recycled and/or biodegradable - the body of the deceased person is placed in a biodegradable casket, or a shroud, or, perhaps, a favorite blanket. No embalming fluid is used. There are no concrete vaults.
"We believe burial is 'green' only when it furthers legitimate environmental aims such as protecting worker health, reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and preserving habitat," notes the mission statement of the Green Burial Council.
Green cemeteries are often found near protected federal lands, such as "memorial park" near Joshua Tree National Park in California.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw