Green Burials: A Study of Environmental Sustainability and Practices

This report examines the concept of green burials, highlighting their environmental benefits and sustainable practices. It discusses the use of biodegradable caskets and shrouds, contrasting them with traditional methods that involve embalming and non-biodegradable materials. The report emphasizes the importance of green burials in mitigating environmental impact, referencing the need for natural decomposition and the reduction of carbon emissions. It explores the methods of memorialization used in green burials, such as using natural rocks and planting trees, and raises questions about the feasibility of widespread adoption, the availability of biodegradable materials, and the cost-effectiveness of this practice. The report concludes by advocating for the increased popularity and implementation of green burials globally, considering the current environmental crisis.

Running head- GREEN BURIALS
GREEN BURIALS
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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.