23 Dec Ask Alice January 2021: Green Burial

Dear Alice,
I heard someone talking recently about a “green burial,” and was definitely intrigued. I always thought I wanted to be cremated, but now I hear cremation is bad for the environment. Can you tell me a little about green burials, and who I can contact to find out more?

Thanks, Intrigued

Dear Intrigued,
I love your question, because I have wanted to learn more about green burials for some time, and your question gave me the spur to do so!
I started my research with the website of the Green Burial Council (GBC), www.greenburialcouncil.org, and followed up with the website of Green Burial Vermont (GBV), www.greenburialvermont.org, both of which I recommend. As explained in those sites, a green (or natural) burial is one that emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability, with the goal of complete decomposition of the body and its natural return to the soil. The term “green burial” can cover a broad range of burial arrangements, and not all options will be available in all locales and all circumstances. But in its simplest form, having a green burial means the body is not embalmed with toxic chemicals, is placed in a shroud or a casket made of biodegradable materials, and is buried without a concrete burial vault.

Then there are the extra considerations. If possible, the optimal burial depth to facilitate decomposition is 3.5 feet, which happens to be the minimal level allowed by law in Vermont, and also is well over the 18 inches of soil cover that experts say is needed to prevent animal scavenging. Additionally, many people prefer to keep their burial site as close to natural habitat as possible, by avoiding conventional upright headstones and excluding the pesticides, herbicides, and mowing necessitated by the “manicured monoculture of lawn grass present at most conventional cemeteries.” See GBV website, FAQ #1.

Interestingly, I also learned that even though green burials have become more popular recently, they are not really new. As the GBC website points out, most burials were like this before the mid-19th century, and many traditional Jewish and Muslim burials still are today.

So, if you’re interested in a green burial, where can you have it? You need to look for a green cemetery, of which there are basically three types: (1) a hybrid cemetery, which is a conventional cemetery that allows the essential aspects of green burial (i.e., no embalming, no vaults, body is buried in a shroud or biodegradable casket), usually in a designated section; (2) a natural burial ground, which is a cemetery dedicated completely to green burials; and (3) a conservation burial ground, which is not only dedicated completely to green burials, but is also established in partnership with a conservation organization, with a conservation management plan upholding best practices and providing perpetual protection of the land through a conservation easement or deed restriction. You can find a state-by-state directory of green burial sites at a website called “Green Burial Naturally,” by Ann Hoffner. According to the current edition, there is only one green cemetery in southeast Vermont – the Meeting House Hill Cemetery, a hybrid cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. But I would bet that number will be growing quickly in the coming years.

(If you or your family members have rural property, home burial may also be an option. But that is another topic for another day. And for the latest new idea-mushroom-based caskets, visit www.greenmatters.com/p/mushroom-coffin.)

Wishing you the best in the new year, Alice

As always, please contact Don Freeman, Taking Steps Brattleboro Coordinator, 802-257-0775, ext. 101, or don.freeman@brattleborohospice.org, for information about Advance Care Planning.

Till next month, folks. Please send your questions to Alice via info@brattleborohospice.org.