Frequently asked questions

Green or natural burial is an old idea that is gaining popularity again not just because of the fact that it is much better for the environment but because it is simple, less invasive and can be just as meaningful if not more then conventional burials.  Here are some key components of a green burial and additional information often asked around disposition. 

Green Burials :

No embalming:

The body is not treated with chemical preservatives like formaldehyde. 
 
Biodegradable container:
The body is placed in a shroud or a biodegradable coffin made from materials like wood, wicker, or cloth. 
 
No burial vaults or liners:
A concrete vault or grave liner, which prevents natural decomposition, is not used. 
 
Shallow grave:
The burial depth is often shallower 3.5 ft to 4.5 ft deep
to provide the right conditions (oxygen, microbes, moisture) for decomposition and to prevent odors from reaching the surface. 
 
No permanent markers:
Traditional headstones are replaced with biodegradable options, such as planting a tree or placing a natural stone. Could be exceptions in a hybrid cemetery especially if the cemetery allows for green burial mixed in with conventional burials
 
 
Benefits:

Environmental impact:

It reduces pollution from embalming fluids and eliminates the waste of non-biodegradable materials like caskets and vaults. 
 
Conservation:
Provides sanctuary and habitat for insects and animals.  Many green burial sites are set up to protect and preserve the surrounding land, often as natural conservation areas. 
 
Worker health:
By forgoing embalming, it protects the health of funeral workers from exposure to toxic chemicals. 

 

Must a body be embalmed?
Embalming is NOT required in any state, and only two states require embalming to cross state lines (Alabama, Arkansas). The practice is for cosmetic purposes only and has no health and safety properties whatsoever.
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What can be done instead?
Simple, inexpensive cooling methods such as air conditioning,  dry ice, or a in home cooling plate are sufficient for 1 to 3 days in the home or other appropriate venue. In fact, the average body will hold for that long in a 65 degree room with no adverse outcomes under average circumstances. 
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Who may complete the death certificate? 
The next-of-kin, a designated agent, or a funeral director may complete the death certificate, with information provided by the family in any case. It must be written clearly in black ink or typed, with no erasures, cross-outs or corrections. The information will then be transferred electronically by the Town Clerk or a funeral director to Vital Statistics. A Transit/Transport/Burial permit will then be generated that is required to accompany the body to final disposition.
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Must a minister perform a service?
There is no legal requirement that clergy perform a service. Families may choose to create and conduct a unique and meaningful service themselves that celebrates and honors their family member, or invite clergy to participate. 
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What do funerals cost?
The average modern funeral in the U.S. costs $8,755 (National Funeral Directors Association, 2017) for basic non-declinable fees, embalming, other preparation of the body, transportation, use of facilities and staff, an average metal casket, a concrete outer burial vault, and use of a hearse. This figure does NOT include a cemetery plot or opening and closing fees, cremation fees, medical examiner fee, obituaries, flowers, monuments, grave markers, musician or clergy honorariums to conduct funeral or memorial services. Other than the non-declinable fee, families may choose which services to purchase from funeral establishments.
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Home funerals, direct cremations and immediate burials, and family-directed memorials, in contrast, may cost a fraction of that, depending on which services families wish to perform themselves. Families can also purchase locally made, bio-degradable caskets and urns directly from NH companies and artists, or make them themselves, at a significant cost savings.
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What are Direct Cremations and Immediate Burials?
Both refer simply to the cremation or burial, without embalming, viewing, funeral or memorial services in the funeral home (you may have one elsewhere) or other incidentals such as flowers, prayer cards, etc. 

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