What does "green burial" emphasize?

Green burial emphasizes environmental responsibility in the burial process. This approach advocates for practices that minimize the ecological impact of burial methods. It typically involves the avoidance of embalming chemicals, which can be harmful to soil and groundwater, and encourages the use of biodegradable materials for coffins and shrouds. In a green burial, the focus is on returning the body to the earth in a natural way, often in a designated green cemetery that preserves the surrounding environment and allows for natural land conservation.

The other options, while they may represent certain aspects of burial practices, do not align with the core principles of green burial. Using expensive caskets and elaborate headstones, as well as emphasizing traditional burial practices or choosing elaborate rituals, typically reflects more conventional approaches to funerals that may prioritize materialism or time-honored customs over ecological concerns. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key elements of sustainability and natural methods that define green burial practices.