Traditional burials include practices that contribute to the carbon footprint in some way since the recently departed usually are embalmed with synthetic chemicals like formaldehyde and are placed in chemically treated caskets that resist to disintegrate into the earth. There will also be the need for new cemeteries to meet the growing demand with the ageing population since the old ones are already cropped up. That is why, green burial is the new and popular choice today.

 

Natural burial grounds are often cheaper compared to traditional plots, which costs several thousands of dollars. Also, the family of the deceased will have to spend cash on the necessities for a burial such as a bronze casket with complete trimmings, the concrete vault that will hold the casket and the headstone among other things, which can add up to thousands of dollars on the total cost.

 

Talking about natural burial grounds, green cemeteries often costs a fraction in comparison to how much it takes to be buried in a traditional cemetery. There are no caskets and burial vaults involved. Trees are also planted over the grave as a substitute of having headstones.

 

Natural burials are environment-friendly because there is no need to use non-renewable and non-biodegradable resources such as bronze caskets with their metallic trimmings, the concrete vault and the headstones to name a few. Furthermore, traditional burials undergo the embalming process that makes use of chemicals that could be harmful to the environment.

 

When you think about green burials, there is no need to use caskets or concrete vaults in the natural burial grounds. In case a casket it used to bury the body, it should be made of biodegradable materials. It also discourages the use of embalming fluids since these would seep into the ground. Because trees are used instead of headstones, each one contributes in conserving, sustaining and protecting the earth.

 

Green burials also become popular because it promotes the natural cycle of life. The process has also gained the support of Christians even though their first encouraged the traditional casket burials with the belief that everyone who dies will all return to the ashes from which we are made. The term "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" is more than just a religious phrase because it also refers to the natural cycle of life.

 

Everyone is destined to return to the earth upon death in order for the body to help in supporting the new life that comes. Once you choose to be buried in natural burial grounds then you decided to support new life and this is a much more meaningful way to end a life according to many people because they will eventually be laid in a natural, peaceful and green place.