Natural burial as an environmentally nourishing alternative to cremation

Jan 16

My father was a man of economy and efficiency — of words, actions, consumption, and of natural resources. He grew up on a working, family-owned farm shaped by Great Depression-era parents. Respect for the land, living creatures, and finite resources was baked into his DNA. My dad would joke that when he died he wanted us to put him in a bag and throw him in a ditch. Ironically, his express wish in planning for the end of his life was cremation. When faced with two options — cremation or traditional burial with embalming — it makes sense that cremation seemed the better choice. It has taken me until my own middle age to learn that, actually, there is a third choice.

Traditional burials put a lot of non-biodegradable materials in the ground, enough each year to build the Golden Gate Bridge. The formaldehyde in embalming fluid is harmful to the surrounding ecosystem and to funeral workers. It makes sense that cremation appears to be a more eco-friendly option and that twice as many Americans choose cremation compared to traditional burials.

I have learned that there are harmful environmental impacts from cremation too. Cremation uses a lot of fossil fuels and emits harmful CO2 gases and other pollutants into our atmosphere. It is also hazardous to crematory workers. The ashes and ground-up bones can be harmful to the plants and ecosystems if they are buried or scattered.

I’ve also learned that being buried simply in a bag, as my father would joke, actually is an option. Many funeral homes now offer no embalming and the use of shrouds or simple, biodegradable caskets. There are also more natural burial grounds like Reflection Park.

My father passed away almost 20 years ago. Back then, natural burial wasn't widely available. I'm glad I've since learned about how cremation affects the environment and that natural burial exists as a greener option. I’m not alone in this thinking. The National Funeral Directors Association found that about 61% of people want eco-friendly funeral choices.

Natural burial may not be right for everyone. There are many reasons why families might choose cremation, and we will explore them in future blog posts. I am grateful that Reflection Park meets families where they are and allows for the burial of existing cremains.

But as I make plans for the future, natural burial is the best choice for me. It will allow my body to contribute positively to the environment and show respect for the land, wildlife, and our limited natural resources.

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