Montevista | Green Burial FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Green Burial FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Families considering green burial often have similar questions about how natural burial works, safety concerns, costs, and practical matters. This FAQ answers the most common questions to help you understand green burial fully.
Safety and Health Questions
Is green burial safe for the environment? Yes, completely safe. Natural decomposition is how nature has worked for millions of years. The body becomes nutrients that support plant life and microorganisms, enriching the soil naturally.
What about disease and contamination? Bodies buried 3-4 feet underground pose no disease risk. Soil microorganisms quickly break down any pathogens. Studies show no groundwater contamination from natural burial.
Does the body smell during decomposition? No. Buried properly underground, odors don’t reach the surface. Natural decomposition underground is odorless to people above ground.
Is it sanitary? Yes. The decomposition process is natural and sanitary. Soil acts as an excellent filter and biological processor.
Cost Questions
How much does green burial cost? Typically $2,500-$8,000 total, compared to $10,000-$25,000 for traditional burial. Costs include plot ($1,000-$5,000), biodegradable container ($100-$3,000), opening/closing grave ($500-$1,500), and funeral home services ($1,000-$3,000).
Why is green burial less expensive? You eliminate embalming ($700-$1,000), expensive caskets ($2,000-$10,000+), burial vaults ($1,000-$5,000+), and elaborate monuments ($1,500-$5,000+).
Are there hidden costs? No more than traditional burial. Be clear about what’s included in plot price vs. additional charges. Transportation, death certificates, and optional services cost extra.
Viewing and Service Questions
Can we have a viewing? Yes. Bodies can be viewed without embalming if refrigerated and viewed within 3-4 days. Some families choose closed casket or shroud viewing. No viewing is also an option.
Can we have a funeral service? Absolutely. Green burial refers to how the body is buried, not whether you have a service. You can have traditional religious services, memorial services, celebrations of life, or any ceremony you choose.
Where can services be held? Services can be held at funeral homes, places of worship, the burial ground itself, homes, or any meaningful location. Green burial doesn’t restrict service options.
Religious and Cultural Questions
Is green burial acceptable in my religion? Most religions permit green burial, and many align with traditional religious practices. Jewish tradition favors simple shroud burial. Islamic tradition requires unembalmedburial in shrouds. Early Christian practices were essentially green burial. Check with your faith leader for guidance.
What if my culture expects traditional burial? Discuss green burial with family and explain your reasoning. Some cultures are adapting to embrace more sustainable practices. You can incorporate cultural traditions into green burial ceremonies.
Practical Concerns
How long does decomposition take? Soft tissues decompose in 6 months to 2 years depending on soil, climate, and container. Bones take longer. Eventually everything returns to earth, enriching the soil.
Can family visit the grave? Yes, absolutely. Natural burial grounds welcome visitors. The setting is simply more natural—a meadow or forest rather than manicured lawn.
How do you find the grave without a large marker? Most natural burial grounds use GPS coordinates to mark grave locations precisely. Some allow small natural stones. Cemetery staff can help locate graves.
What if I move before I die? If you’ve pre-purchased a plot, understand the cemetery’s transfer and refund policies before buying. Some allow transfers or refunds; others don’t.
Process Questions
What happens to dental work, implants, and pacemakers? Metal dental work and implants are removed after burial if necessary. Pacemakers must be removed before burial (they’re removed at funeral homes, just like before cremation).
Can I be buried with my spouse? Yes. Most natural burial grounds offer companion burial options—side-by-side plots or double-depth plots where caskets are placed one above the other.
How deep is the grave? Typically 3.5-4.5 feet deep—shallower than traditional 6-foot graves. This depth allows decomposition in the biologically active soil layer while maintaining proper burial.
Can you bury cremated remains in green cemeteries? Yes, most natural burial grounds accept cremated remains. They can be buried in biodegradable urns or scattered in designated areas.
Container and Material Questions
What can the body be buried in? Biodegradable shrouds (cloth wrapping), cardboard caskets, wicker/seagrass caskets, bamboo caskets, or untreated wood caskets. No metal, synthetic materials, or toxic finishes allowed.
Can we build our own casket? Some families do, using untreated wood and biodegradable fasteners. Check with the cemetery first to ensure your design meets requirements.
What clothing is appropriate? Natural fiber clothing only—cotton, linen, wool, silk. No synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
Legal Questions
Is green burial legal in California? Yes, completely legal. California doesn’t require embalming (except in limited circumstances), caskets, or vaults. Individual cemeteries set their own policies.
Do I need special permits? No. Green burial requires the same permits as traditional burial—just a death certificate and burial permit.
Can I have green burial in a traditional cemetery? Some traditional cemeteries offer green burial sections with relaxed requirements (no vault, biodegradable caskets). Ask your local cemetery if they provide this option.
Comparison Questions
Is green burial better than cremation for the environment? Green burial has lower environmental impact than flame cremation. Flame cremation uses significant energy and produces emissions. Green burial has minimal environmental impact. Aquamation (water cremation) is more eco-friendly than flame cremation but still uses more energy than burial.
What’s the difference between green burial and traditional burial? Traditional burial uses embalming, metal/hardwood caskets, concrete vaults, manicured lawns, and upright monuments. Green burial uses no embalming, biodegradable materials, no vaults, natural landscapes, and flat/natural markers.
Finding and Choosing Questions
How do I find a green burial ground? Check the Green Burial Council website (greenburialcouncil.org) for certified sites. Google “natural burial” plus your location. In Bay Area, options include Fernwood Cemetery (Marin) and Forever Fernwood (Martinez).
What should I look for when choosing? Consider location/accessibility, natural setting aesthetics, policies and restrictions, costs, conservation mission, and whether it feels right to you.
Not all funeral homes handle green burial—how do I find one? Ask directly: “Do you handle green burials?” Look for funeral homes advertising eco-friendly services. Ask natural burial grounds for funeral home recommendations.
Family Concerns
What if my family wants a traditional funeral? Your documented wishes should be honored. Discuss your preferences with family while you’re alive and explain your reasoning. Clear communication reduces conflict.
Will my grave be maintained? Yes, but differently than traditional cemeteries. Natural burial grounds maintain land as natural habitat, not manicured lawns. This is intentional—preserving native ecosystems rather than creating park-like settings.
Can my family add decorations to my grave? Policies vary. Some allow biodegradable flowers or plants. Most prohibit plastic flowers, non-biodegradable decorations, or items that don’t fit the natural setting. Check cemetery rules.
Key Takeaways
Green burial is: – Safe for environment and public health – Legal in California with no special permits – Less expensive than traditional burial typically – Compatible with most religious and cultural traditions – Flexible regarding services and ceremonies – Natural process that returns the body to earth – Growing in availability and acceptance
Most concerns about green burial stem from unfamiliarity. Once families understand the process, most find it meaningful and appropriate.
Green Burial Questions at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Have questions about green burial not answered here? Monte Vista can provide detailed information and help you understand all your options.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss green burial and get answers to your specific questions.