
Green Burial Services
At Jones Funeral Home, we are proud to offer Green Burial Services for families who wish to honor their loved one’s life while respecting the environment. Green burials focus on simplicity and sustainability, minimizing environmental impact by avoiding embalming chemicals, using biodegradable materials, and allowing the natural process of returning to the earth.
This type of burial is ideal for those who value nature and wish for their final resting place to reflect those values.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, providing compassionate support and helping you create a meaningful and eco-friendly farewell.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is a type of burial that emphasizes simplicity and environmental responsibility. Unlike traditional burials, green burials avoid embalming fluids, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete burial vaults. Instead, the body is placed directly in the earth using a biodegradable shroud or casket, allowing for a more natural decomposition process.
Green burials are designed to conserve natural resources, promote the health of the local ecosystem, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with burial practices. The goal is to ensure that the burial has a minimal impact on the environment while providing a peaceful and natural resting place for the deceased.
Benefits of Choosing Green Burial Services
Choosing a green burial service offers many benefits, both for the environment and for those seeking a simpler, more natural approach to end-of-life arrangements. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Environmental Responsibility
Green burials are a more sustainable alternative to traditional burial methods. By avoiding chemicals and opting for biodegradable materials, green burials minimize pollution and help preserve local ecosystems.
This environmentally friendly choice can be particularly meaningful for those who have a strong connection to nature and wish to leave a positive legacy on the planet.
2. Simplicity and Naturalness
Green burials emphasize simplicity and allow for a return to nature in its most natural form. Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one will be laid to rest in a way that honors the natural cycle of life.
The simplicity of green burials also makes them a serene and beautiful option, allowing families to focus on remembrance rather than the complexities of traditional arrangements.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Green burials can be more cost-effective compared to traditional burials. The absence of embalming, elaborate caskets, and vaults means that families may save on expenses. Additionally, some green burial cemeteries offer lower-priced plots due to their minimal maintenance requirements, making it a more affordable option while still providing a meaningful tribute.
4. Preservation of Natural Areas
Many green burials take place in designated conservation or natural burial grounds. These areas are often maintained as natural landscapes, with wildflowers, native plants, and wildlife, creating a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
Choosing a green burial can contribute to the conservation of these beautiful natural spaces, helping to preserve them for future generations.
What to Expect with Our Green Burial Services
Our green burial services are designed to align with your values while providing a respectful and dignified farewell for your loved one.
Here’s what you can expect when choosing a green burial:
- Biodegradable Caskets or Shrouds: We offer a variety of eco-friendly caskets and shrouds made from materials like bamboo, wicker, and untreated wood. These products are designed to break down naturally, allowing the body to return to the earth.
- No Embalming: Green burials do not involve embalming, as this process uses chemicals that can harm the environment. Instead, we focus on natural preservation methods that respect the body and the earth.
- Natural Burial Grounds: We work with local green burial cemeteries that maintain natural landscapes and minimize disturbance to the environment. These beautiful resting places offer a peaceful and natural setting for your loved one.
- Personalized Green Burial Services: Just like with our traditional services, we offer personalized options for green burials. Whether you wish to have a small family gathering, a graveside service, or a celebration of life ceremony, we are here to accommodate your wishes.
Local Green Burial Cemeteries in the Area
For families considering a green burial, it’s important to choose a burial ground that aligns with their environmental values. At Jones Funeral Home, we are proud to work with several local green burial cemeteries that provide serene, natural resting places.
Here are some of the green burial cemeteries in our area:
1. Greenside Natural Cemetery
- Location: Just a short drive from our funeral home, Greenside Natural Cemetery is a dedicated green burial ground that focuses on preserving the natural landscape.
The cemetery features native trees, wildflowers, and open meadows, providing a peaceful and eco-friendly environment. - Features: Greenside offers plots for natural burials, with biodegradable markers that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Families are welcome to participate in the burial process, making it a personal and meaningful experience.
2. Harmony Meadows Conservation Burial Ground
- Location: Located in a scenic rural area, Harmony Meadows Conservation Burial Ground combines the principles of conservation with the values of green burial.
This beautiful space is maintained as a wildlife habitat, providing a tranquil resting place that supports local flora and fauna. - Features: Harmony Meadows offers burial plots that are marked with simple, natural stones or native plants. The cemetery’s mission is to preserve the land in its natural state, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of this conservation area.
3. Evergreen Fields Natural Burial Ground
- Location: Evergreen Fields is a peaceful natural burial ground that allows families to say goodbye in a way that honours both their loved one and the environment.
Surrounded by forests and fields, this burial ground provides a quiet space for reflection and remembrance. - Features: The burial ground offers a variety of biodegradable casket and shroud options, and families are encouraged to plant native flowers or trees as a living tribute. The commitment to minimal disturbance ensures that the burial ground remains a vibrant part of the local ecosystem.
Each of these green burial cemeteries offers a unique setting for those seeking a natural return to the earth.
Our team at Jones Funeral Home can help you find the best option for your needs and arrange a visit if you would like to explore these beautiful spaces in person.
How to Plan a Green Burial
Planning a green burial can be a rewarding process, allowing you to create a farewell that is both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
We offer guidance and support to help you plan a green burial that honours your values and wishes:
- Consult with Our Team: Our knowledgeable staff will walk you through the steps of planning a green burial, from selecting biodegradable materials to choosing a suitable green burial cemetery.
- Discuss Your Preferences: Share your preferences for the service, including any special rituals, readings, or gatherings that you would like to include. We will ensure that your service is personalized to reflect the life and values of your loved one.
- Visit Local Cemeteries: We can arrange visits to local green burial cemeteries, allowing you to find a resting place that resonates with your vision of a natural and peaceful farewell.