What is green burial?

Comprehensive Overview of Green Burial Principles and Features

Green burial is rooted in sustainability, natural decomposition, and respect for the environment, aligning burial practices with ecological preservation and renewal. Below is a cohesive integration of principles and key features of green burial.

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Core Principles of Green Burial

1. No Embalming

o Bodies are prepared without embalming, avoiding harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.

o Decomposition is allowed to occur naturally, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

o Dignified preparation can include refrigeration and the use of eco-friendly soaps, lotions, essential oils and disinfectants.

2. Direct Earth Burial

o The un-embalmed body is wrapped in a natural, biodegradable shroud and/or placed in a biodegradable casket.

o No vaults or grave liners are used, allowing the body to decompose naturally in direct contact with the soil.

o Locally sourced materials for shrouds or caskets are encouraged to reduce the environmental impact.

3. Ecological Restoration & Conservation

o Burial grounds are restored with native plants to integrate graves into the surrounding ecosystem.

o Protective covenants and easements ensure the long-term preservation of burial grounds as conservation areas.

4. Simple Memorialization

o Memorials are kept simple, using locally sourced natural materials such as engraved stones, trees, or shrubs.

o Communal memorialization may involve shared inscriptions or natural markers, emphasizing the land as a living memorial.

5. Optimized Land Use

o Green burial cemeteries minimize infrastructure, using temporary roads and sustainable lot designs to maximize capacity.

o Reuse of graves and interment of cremated remains in designated areas optimize available space and preserve natural landscapes.

For more information on the principals of green burial visit The Green Burial Society of Canada page and the Green Burial Council USA page

This unified framework reflects the ethical, environmental, and spiritual essence of green burial, offering a meaningful way to honor life while protecting the planet. It balances tradition with innovation to prioritize sustainability and ecological preservation.

1. Minimal Environmental Impact

Green burial practices minimize disruptive processes and materials, reducing ecological harm and ensuring sustainability.

2. Conservation of Natural Resources

Burial methods use fewer resources, emphasizing eco-friendly practices that conserve energy, materials, and land.

3. Reduction of Carbon Emissions

Excludes practices like cremation and embalming, which release greenhouse gases, helping to lower carbon footprints.

4. Protection of Worker Health

Eliminates hazardous embalming chemicals and heavy machinery, creating a safer work environment.

5. Biodegradable Burial Materials

Includes caskets and shrouds made from untreated wood, bamboo, wicker, or organic fabrics.

6. No Burial Vaults or Liners

Removes the need for concrete, metal, or plastic vaults, preserving the natural soil structure and promoting faster decomposition.

7. Support for Soil Enrichment and Ecosystem Health

Natural decomposition returns nutrients to the soil, improving fertility and promoting ecosystem restoration.

8. Eco-Conservation Burial Sites

Prioritizes burial grounds dedicated to environmental conservation, biodiversity, and often doubling as wildlife sanctuaries, maintaining the natural landscape.

9. Biodiversity and Wildlife Support

Promotes habitats that support native flora and fauna, fostering sustainable ecosystems.

10. Restoration and Protection of Natural Ecosystems

Burial sites contribute to ecological restoration, helping to protect native habitats and promote biodiversity.

11. Burial at Optimal Depth

Ensures burial at a depth that accelerates decomposition and enhances soil renewal.

12. Eco-Friendly and Simple Memorialization

Focuses on natural, biodegradable markers like trees, shrubs, engraved stones, or GPS coordinates. Encourages communal practices like tree planting, preserving the land's beauty and environmental harmony.

13. Ecological Restoration and Land Preservation

Many green burial grounds allocate funds to restore and conserve the environment, ensuring long-term preservation of natural landscapes.

• A hybrid cemetery is a conventional cemetery that incorporates elements of green/natural burial, either throughout the cemetery or in a designated section. These cemeteries, which can earn certification for environmentally friendly practices, do not require the use of vaults or outer burial containers. Instead, they allow for eco-friendly, biodegradable burial options such as shrouds or softwood caskets. Hybrid cemeteries provide a sustainable alternative to conventional burial methods while maintaining the structure and services of a conventional cemetery.

• A Green or Natural Burial Ground is a cemetery dedicated to sustainable, eco-friendly burial practices that conserve energy, minimize waste, and preserve the environment. These grounds prohibit the use of toxic embalming chemicals, outer burial containers (such as vaults or grave liners), and non-biodegradable or non-plant-based burial containers. Instead, burials are conducted using biodegradable materials, such as shrouds or softwood caskets. Additionally, Green Burial Grounds implement a pesticide-free Integrated Pest Management system to control pests using environmentally safe methods, preserving the ecological integrity of the landscape. These practices ensure a burial process that is fully aligned with the principles of sustainability and conservation.

• A Conservation Burial Ground is a type of natural cemetery established in partnership with a conservation organization, dedicated to the long-term protection and restoration of land. These grounds adhere to strict environmental standards, incorporating sustainable burial practices such as biodegradable containers, the avoidance of toxic embalming fluids, and the prohibition of vaults. In addition to meeting the requirements of Green Burial Grounds, a Conservation Burial Ground is governed by a conservation easement or deed restriction that ensures perpetual stewardship of the land. The cemetery is often owned or operated in conjunction with a government agency or nonprofit conservation organization.

• Conservation burial grounds go beyond environmental preservation by committing burial fees to support land acquisition, protection, restoration, and management, creating a lasting legacy for future generations. The goal is to conserve and restore valuable natural landscapes, offering families a meaningful burial option that connects them with nature while safeguarding the land for perpetuity. These spaces are designed not only for burial but also for ongoing engagement with nature, such as bird-watching, hiking, and community events, providing a profound and multifaceted experience for those who mourn.

• In essence, conservation burial is about creating spaces that nurture both the natural world and human communities, fostering a deeper connection between people and the land, while ensuring that the burial site is forever protected and restored to its natural state.

The link for the Green Burial Society of Canada’s application to become a certified green burial cemetery - https://greenburialcanada.ca/apply-for-certification/   plus the GBSC Approval Provider pdf  go on the what is green burial page - under GBSC certification. 

When looking for a cemetery that offers green burials in Nova Scotia, here are the key questions to ask:

1. Do you offer green burials?

o Confirm that the cemetery provides eco-friendly burial options, such as natural burials without embalming or chemical treatments.

2. What materials are allowed for caskets and shrouds?

o Ask if they allow biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or other burial materials made of natural substances like wood, wicker, cardboard, or cloth.

3. Are embalming and chemicals used in the burial process?

o Green burials forbides embalming, which involves toxic chemicals. Ensure that the cemetery does not use embalming or toxic preservatives for body preservation.

4. What are the environmental features of your burial plots?

o Inquire if the cemetery maintains natural landscapes, such as native plants or natural vegetation, which reduces the environmental impact of conventional burial methods. Some cemeteries may offer a designated green burial section.

5. What is your policy on grave markers?

o Green burials often feature simple, natural markers like field stones or may not have any markers at all. Ask if this is allowed and what options are available.

6. Are there any restrictions on burial depth or type of grave?

o Find out if the cemetery has specific rules to ensure sustainable burial practices, such as limiting the depth of graves to encourage natural decomposition and reduce environmental impact.

7. How do you handle landscaping and maintenance?

o Green burial cemeteries should use minimal mowing, no chemical fertilizers, and avoid pesticides to maintain the grounds. Ask how they manage maintenance in an environmentally sustainable way.

8. What are your costs compared to conventional burial options?

o Compare the costs of green burials with conventional burial practices, as green options may vary in cost depending on the cemetery’s approach.

9. Do you have a natural or wildlife conservation focus?

o Some cemeteries that offer green burials are also part of wildlife conservation programs or are certified as "green cemeteries" by environmental organizations. Inquire if the cemetery supports or participates in such initiatives.

10. Is the cemetery certified or part of any eco-certification programs?

o Look for certifications, such as the Green Burial Society of Canada or other environmental organizations, that ensure the cemetery follows sustainable burial practices.

Currently, only one cemetery, Sunrise Park Interfaith Cemetery in Hatchett Lake, near Halifax, NS, holds official certification from the Green Burial Society of Canada, ensuring adherence to recognized standards for environmentally sustainable burial practices. While other cemeteries may claim to offer green burial options, these are self-designated and not certified by the Green Burial Society of Canada. We encourage individuals to verify the credentials and practices of any cemetery to ensure they align with their values and expectations for green burial.

Visit the Green Burial How-To Handbook on Death Matters.

1. Conservation Burial

Description:

This is a type of green burial that takes place in conservation cemeteries. Burial fees directly contribute to the protection, restoration, and maintenance of natural habitats. Bodies are buried without embalming in biodegradable caskets or shrouds.

Environmental Impact:

•  Actively preserves ecosystems and prevents land development.

•  Requires no harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable materials.

•  Encourages biodiversity and natural land stewardship.

Key Considerations:

•  Limited availability; requires access to a certified conservation cemetery.

•  Often paired with land preservation initiatives.

2. Green Burial

Description:

A burial where the body is interred in biodegradable materials without embalming or concrete vaults. Unlike conservation burial, green burial may occur in any cemetery or burial site that permits natural practices but does not explicitly contribute to land preservation.

Environmental Impact:

•  Promotes natural decomposition and avoids chemical contamination.

•  Minimizes resource use by eliminating embalming, concrete vaults, and metal caskets.

Key Considerations:

•  A simpler, less resource-intensive option than conventional burial.

•  May not involve ecosystem protection unless paired with a conservation site.

3. Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)

Description:

The body is placed in a controlled environment with organic materials like wood chips and straw to accelerate decomposition into nutrient-rich soil. This process is managed in specialized facilities designed to promote natural microbial activity.

Environmental Impact:

•  Avoids chemical contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.

•  Creates usable, nutrient-rich soil that can support conservation or gardening projects.

•  Uses less space than burial and avoids permanent land use.

Key Considerations:

•  Requires specialized facilities and is currently legal in limited regions.

•  Appeals to those seeking an innovative and environmentally friendly option.

4. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Description:

The body is placed in a pressurized vessel filled with water and an alkaline solution. Heat and pressure break down the body into liquid and bone fragments, mimicking natural decomposition at an accelerated rate.

Environmental Impact:

•  Uses 1/8th the energy of traditional cremation and produces no greenhouse gases.

•  Water used in the process is often recycled.

•  Avoids soil and air contamination.

Key Considerations:

•  Not widely available but is becoming increasingly recognized as a green alternative.

•  More energy-efficient than cremation but less natural than burial or composting.

5. Mushroom Burial Suit

Description:

The body is dressed in a biodegradable suit infused with mushroom spores that aid in decomposition and neutralize toxins in the body. This process reduces the environmental impact of buried remains.

Environmental Impact:

•  Reduces soil contamination by breaking down heavy metals and other toxins.

•  Uses renewable, biodegradable materials.

•  Minimal carbon footprint compared to conventional options.

Key Considerations:

•  May not be as accessible or affordable as other green burial options.

•  Niche choice with limited awareness and availability.

6. Traditional Cremation

Description:

The body is incinerated in a crematory chamber, and the remains are processed into ashes, which are returned to the family. Cremation avoids land use but relies on fossil fuels to maintain high temperatures.

Environmental Impact:

•  Produces greenhouse gases and mercury emissions from dental fillings.

•  Energy-intensive, requiring significant fossil fuel use.

•  Ashes do not decompose or provide environmental benefits.

Key Considerations:

•  Convenient and widely available but has a higher carbon footprint.

•  Does not promote soil enrichment or ecological benefits.

7. Burial at Sea (Unembalmed)

Description:

The body is placed in a biodegradable shroud or weighted casket and released into the ocean. This option is regulated and often requires permits to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Environmental Impact:

•  Avoids land use and requires minimal resources.

•  May have localized impacts on marine ecosystems depending on the site and materials used.

Key Considerations:

•  Requires significant planning and adherence to legal requirements.

•  Less environmentally friendly if transport distances are significant.

8. Conventional Burial

Description:

The body is embalmed with chemicals and placed in a non-biodegradable casket within a concrete vault. This is the most common form of burial in many cultures and is heavily resource-intensive.

Environmental Impact:

•  Embalming fluids can contaminate soil and groundwater over time.

•  Production of concrete vaults and metal caskets generates substantial carbon emissions.

•  Disrupts the natural decomposition process by sealing the body away from the soil.

Key Considerations:

•  Highly resource-intensive and space-consuming.

•  Often culturally significant but the least eco-friendly option.

A Brief History of Green Burial in Canada

Green burial, a practice that seeks to minimize environmental impact by using natural and biodegradable materials, has grown steadily in Canada over the past few decades. This eco-conscious approach to burial aligns with broader global environmental movements and reflects a deep respect for the planet—values that resonate with many Canadians. To understand the evolution of green burial in Canada, it is helpful to examine its origins, milestones, and current landscape.

Early Practices and Indigenous Traditions

Before European colonization, Indigenous communities in Canada practiced various forms of natural burial, often reflecting spiritual beliefs that honored the interconnectedness of life and the earth. These traditions varied widely but frequently included the use of biodegradable materials and burial methods that allowed the body to return to the earth naturally. Such practices were rooted in a sustainable relationship with nature, a philosophy that resonates with modern green burial principles.

The Rise of Conventional Burial Practices

With the arrival of European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, burial practices in Canada shifted toward more formalized and conventional methods. The introduction of embalming, caskets, and vaults became standard by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting societal changes and technological advancements. While these methods provided certain hygienic and logistical benefits, they also introduced chemicals and non-biodegradable materials into the burial process, distancing the practice from its natural roots.

The Emergence of the Green Burial Movement

The modern green burial movement began gaining traction in Canada during the late 20th century, influenced by environmental awareness and similar movements in the United States and Europe. The establishment of the Green Burial Council in the United States in 2005 helped formalize standards and inspired Canadian advocates to promote eco-friendly practices domestically.

In 1999, the Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria, British Columbia, became the first cemetery in Canada to dedicate a section to green burial. This initiative marked a turning point, demonstrating both the feasibility and public interest in sustainable burial practices. The cemetery’s green burial section prioritized natural landscapes, avoided the use of embalming chemicals, and utilized biodegradable materials.

Growth and Milestones

Since the early 2000s, green burial has expanded across Canada, with numerous cemeteries now offering designated green burial sections. British Columbia has been a leader in this area, with several municipalities integrating green burial options into their cemetery planning. Other provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, have also seen a rise in green burial services.

Key milestones in the development of green burial in Canada include:

 2008: The establishment of the Green Burial Society of Canada (GBSC), which provides certification and education to ensure adherence to environmentally sustainable practices. The society was founded by a group of environmental advocates and funeral industry professionals committed to creating standardized practices for green burials across the country.

 2018: The formation of the Green Burial Society of Nova Scotia, dedicated to promoting green burial options throughout the province and advocating for conservation-focused cemetery practices. This organization works closely with local communities to integrate sustainable principles into end-of-life planning.

 2012: The introduction of educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness about green burial options.

 2020s: A growing trend of conservation burial sites—cemeteries designed to protect and restore natural habitats while providing burial spaces.

Cultural and Religious Adaptation

The diverse cultural and religious landscape of Canada has also played a role in shaping the green burial movement. Many religious communities have found ways to incorporate green burial into their traditions, often viewing it as a return to simpler, more authentic practices. For example, some Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities have embraced green burial as a way to honor scriptural teachings about humility and care for creation.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Today, green burial is no longer a niche option but an increasingly mainstream choice for environmentally conscious Canadians. Factors contributing to its growth include:

•  Rising public awareness about the environmental impact of conventional burial methods.

•  An aging population seeking meaningful and sustainable end-of-life options.

•  Partnerships between environmental organizations and cemeteries to promote conservation and sustainability.

Looking ahead, the future of green burial in Canada appears promising. Efforts to create more conservation burial grounds, where burial fees contribute to land preservation, are gaining momentum. Additionally, innovative practices like alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) and human composting are emerging as complementary options in the broader spectrum of eco-friendly end-of-life choices.

Conclusion

The history of green burial in Canada is a testament to the country’s evolving relationship with death, nature, and sustainability. From its roots in Indigenous traditions to its modern resurgence, green burial reflects a growing commitment to honoring the planet while respecting individual and cultural values. As awareness continues to grow, Canada is poised to play a leading role in advancing eco-friendly burial practices on the global stage.