What is "green burial"?

Green burial refers to an environmentally friendly burial practice designed to minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional burial methods. This approach promotes natural decomposition, allowing the body to return to the earth in a manner that is sustainable and eco-conscious. Green burials typically involve the use of biodegradable materials, such as simple wooden caskets or shrouds, and avoid chemical treatments used in embalming.

The focus of green burial is on conservation and promoting natural processes that aid in the renewal of the soil. This method aligns with a growing awareness and desire for sustainability in end-of-life choices, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems.

Other options present methods that either do not align with environmentally friendly practices or actively contradict the principles of green burials. For instance, traditional burial methods often involve expensive caskets that are not biodegradable, using resources that can be seen as wasteful. The use of embalming chemicals and fossil fuels is also counterproductive to the goals of green burial, which seeks to forgo these harmful practices in favor of a more natural approach.