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The Importance of Green Burial: Why You Should Consider a Green Funeral

When it comes to funerals, there are a lot of different options to choose from. You can have a traditional funeral with a casket and burial, or you could choose a green funeral. Green funerals have become more popular in recent years, as people are becoming more interested in sustainable living. If you're considering a green funeral, here is some information on the importance of green burial and other green burial options.

Jewish & Muslim burials have always been green, using low-impact interment in a simple shroud or all-wood casket. Over time, the body breaks down naturally, going back to the earth. With today’s increased focus on minimizing our impact on the environment, the age-old practice of green burial Colorado is becoming more popular. In addition to minimizing environmental impact, green burial can provide a simpler, more natural funeral experience, as well as potentially lower costs.

Why are green burials important?

There are many reasons why green burial is important. First and foremost, green burial is environmentally friendly. Green burial Colorado preserves the natural environment by avoiding embalming fluid, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. All of these materials require resources to produce and ultimately end up in landfills.

Green burial Colorado also returns our loved ones to the earth in a more natural way. In contrast to traditional funerals, which involve embalming and burial in a casket, green burial leaves the body intact and allows it to decompose naturally. This process helps return nutrients to the soil and keeps toxins out of our water supply.

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Benefits of Green Burial

Green burial has many benefits which are not limited to the environment. Here are some of the great benefits of green burial.

1. Convenient and Simple

Green burial is a very simple process. There are no expensive caskets or vaults required, and there is no embalming necessary. Families can choose to bury their loved ones in a biodegradable shroud, coffin, or urn, or they can simply place the body in the ground without any container.

The simplicity of green burial Colorado makes it a more affordable funeral option for many families. In addition, green burial is often more convenient than a traditional burial. Because there are no vaults or caskets required, green burials can take place anywhere- including in your own backyard! This makes green burial a great option for those who want to be buried near their home.

2. Reduces Funeral Costs

Since green burial does not involve the use of any synthetic materials, it is often much cheaper than a traditional burial. In fact, the only cost associated with green burial is usually the price of the shroud or coffin. This makes green burial a more affordable option for families on a budget.

Green burials can also take place at any time of year, which eliminates the need to  wait for spring or summer. This makes green burial a great option for those who want to be buried as soon as possible.

3. Conserve Precious Resources

Precious resources like wood or metals are often used in caskets and vaults. By opting for green burial, you can conserve these resources and help reduce the environmental impact of traditional funerals. Green burials also do not require embalming fluid, which is made from toxic chemicals. This helps to protect our water supplies and the environment from harmful pollutants.

4. Reduces Carbon Footprint

Unlike traditional cremation that burns and produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide, green burial helps to reduce the amount emitted into the atmosphere.  All of this makes green burial Colorado an environmentally friendly option for those who want to be laid to rest.

5. Preserve Natural Areas

As development and population growth continue, more and more of our natural areas are being developed. This leaves less space for wildlife and their habitats. By choosing green burial, the burial places help to restore or conserve a natural landscape with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, as well as providing food and shelter for birds and other species.

6. Provide Peace of Mind

When you opt for green burial, you can be confident that your final resting place is not harming the environment. This can provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones, knowing that your choices are in line with your values.

Green Burial Options

Now that you know the many benefits of green burial, you do have a few options to go green.

Option #1: Woodland burial

One of the most popular green burial options is woodland burial. This type of green burial takes place in a natural setting, such as a forest, and uses biodegradable coffins or shrouds.

Option #2: Sea Burial 

Sea burials are also an option for those who want to be one with nature. During a  sea burial, the body is placed in a weighted biodegradable coffin and lowered into the ocean.

Option #3: Water Cremation or Aquamation 

Water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis is a process in which the body is placed in a warm alkali bath that gently breaks down the tissue. This method is said to be more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation because it uses less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gasses. 

Option 4: Body Composting 

Body composting is a process in which the body is placed in a chamber where it is converted into compost over the course of several weeks. This method of green burial returns the nutrients from the body back to the earth. 

No matter which option you choose, green burial Colorado is a more sustainable way to say goodbye to your loved ones. Feldman Mortuary has long standing relationships with many green cemeteries, and we can help you find the right place for you. Green burial is permitted on some privately-owned land in Colorado. Our experienced staff can help you navigate local laws and regulations to find out if green burial is available in your location so give us a call today at 303-322-7764.

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