Natural burials have been gaining popularity in recent years as people search for more eco-friendly and meaningful ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. A natural burial, also known as a green burial, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials. It involves burying the deceased without the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, and instead, allows the body to decompose naturally. Here are five reasons why people are increasingly choosing natural burials.
Environmental Concerns
One of the main reasons people are choosing natural burials is environmental concern. Traditional burials often involve the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, which can take decades or even centuries to decompose. These materials can also release harmful chemicals into the soil, which can harm local ecosystems. In contrast, natural burials involve burying the body in a biodegradable shroud or casket, which allows the body to decompose naturally without harming the environment.
Cost
Another reason why people are opting for natural burials is the cost. Traditional burials can be expensive, with the cost of caskets, embalming, and other services quickly adding up. In contrast, natural burials are often less expensive, as they eliminate many of the unnecessary expenses associated with traditional burials. For example, natural burials often involve a simple wooden or biodegradable casket or shroud, which is less expensive than a traditional casket.
Meaningful and Personal
Natural burials are often seen as more meaningful and personal than traditional burials. Instead of being buried in a sterile environment, the deceased is buried in a natural setting, such as a meadow or woodland. Some stately homes in the UK have started offering natural burials on their grounds: a special venue for the passing of a body into the earth. This provides a more intimate and peaceful setting for friends and family to say their final goodbyes. Furthermore, natural burials often allow for more personal touches, such as planting a tree or flowers on the burial site.
Spiritual Significance
Many people see natural burials as having spiritual significance. By allowing the body to decompose naturally, the deceased becomes a part of the natural cycle of life and death. This can provide comfort to those who believe in the interconnectedness of all living things. Natural burials can also be seen as a way to honor the deceased by returning their body to the earth rather than sealing it away in a casket or tomb.
A Return To Tradition
Finally, natural burials are often seen as a return to traditional burial practices. In many cultures, burial involved simply burying the deceased in the ground without embalming or elaborate caskets. Natural burials can be seen as a way to honor these traditions and return to a more natural way of saying goodbye to loved ones.
Natural burials are becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking a more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and meaningful way to say goodbye to their loved ones. By choosing a natural burial, people can help protect the environment, reduce costs, and honor tradition while providing a more personal and spiritual way to say goodbye.
