Green Burials: Benefits and Challenges

This assignment explores the concept of green burials as a sustainable approach to funeral practices. It discusses the environmental benefits of avoiding embalming fluids and using biodegradable materials. The paper also examines potential challenges associated with green burials, such as cost-effectiveness and the need for clear guidelines on biodegradable materials. Ultimately, it argues for the increasing popularity and wider adoption of green burials in response to the current environmental crisis.

Running head- GREEN BURIALS
GREEN BURIALS
Name of student
Name of university
Author note

1GREEN BURIALS
As per the video cited environmental friendly natural green burials are a much needed
change that the earth requires today. The video gives a detailed explanation of why and how
green burials are necessary and how it can help the environment. The body is not embalmed in
toxic chemicals, left in its natural state so that it can decompose naturally (Aruomero & Afolabi,
2014). Many people view green burial as a return to the natural state of men as it was before
industrialization and modernization of funerals. The body is placed in biodegradable caskets and
shrouds that are made of renewable sources as opposed to the conventional caskets that are made
of steel or wood which take extremely long time to break down in the soil and produces huge
amount of carbon emissions. Green burial grounds and cemeteries prohibit the use of outer burial
containers except the shrouds and caskets (Krupar, 2017). Green burials use a variety of method
for memorialization like flat wooden chunks and natural rocks with the name of the deceased
person. Some families also plant trees near the graves. However, this method of burial raises few
questions.
 This form of burial though is the oldest is extremely rare in the modern day. Is it
possible to make green burials more common?
 A clear knowledge and idea is required as to which materials exactly are
biodegrable. Can the vaults used for burial be completely biodegradable?
 What are the benefits that this form of burial provides as in is it cost effective?
In the present environmental crisis, this form of burial is required and this should be popularized
and made popular all across the world.

2GREEN BURIALS
References
Aruomero, A. S., & Afolabi, O. (2014). Comparative assessment of trace metals in soils
associated with casket burials: Towards implementing green burials. Eurasian Journal of
Soil Science, 3(1), 65.
Doughty, C. (2017). A burial practice that nourishes the planet | Caitlin Doughty. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcMj4Az1MwE
Krupar, S. R. (2017). Green death: sustainability and the administration of the dead. cultural
geographies, 1474474017732977.