What is a Natural Burial?
Natural burial is an intentional process of returning a body after death to the earth. The hallmark components of natural burial (also known as green burial) are simplicity and environmental sustainability. Natural burials involve interment without a vault or grave liner. The body is prepared naturally without embalming and enclosed in a shroud and/or casket made of readily biodegradable materials. Natural burial perpetuates the natural cycle of dissolution and regrowth.
This image was provided by Larkspur Conservation, depicting an example of the type of burial we will offer at Reflection Park.
In addition to being more consistent with the natural eco-cycle, natural burial also offers:
Protection of funeral workers’ health. By avoiding embalming, natural burial prevents exposure of funeral workers to embalming fluids that contain toxins like formaldehyde, which is hazardous to the people who handle it.
Preservation of the natural environment. Natural burials promote growth of vegetation, which sequesters carbon that could otherwise contribute to climate change. In addition, many natural burial grounds — including Reflection Park — have forest conservation zones and hiking trails to protect and support access to natural resources.
Conservation of valuable materials. Natural burial avoids interment of caskets made of hardwood, steel, copper, bronze, and other valuable resources. Only readily biodegradable materials are used in natural burial.
Affordability. By avoiding vaults, concrete grave liners, and hardwood or metal caskets, natural burials are typically more affordable than conventional burials. At Reflection Park, costs are also reduced by running the burial ground as a non-profit organization.
For more information about natural burial, see the Green Burial Council’s Guide for Families.