In recent years, the conversation around end-of-life choices has expanded to include a greater focus on environmental impact. As more people seek ways to live a more sustainable life, they are also considering how to have a more sustainable death. This is where green burial, also known as natural burial, comes in. And when you're looking for a provider that truly understands and practices this philosophy, you'll likely encounter the Green Burial Council.
So, what does it mean if a cemetery or funeral home is Green Burial Council certified? It's a significant indicator of their commitment to a set of rigorous environmental and ethical standards.
The Green Burial Council: The Gold Standard for Natural Burial
The Green Burial Council (GBC) is a non-profit organization that has been instrumental in setting the standards for environmentally sustainable death care. They are the leading authority on green burial, and their certification programs are designed to help consumers identify providers who are genuinely dedicated to this practice.
When a funeral home or cemetery is GBC certified, it’s not just a marketing term—it's a commitment to a specific set of principles that ensure a burial is as natural as possible.
For a Cemetery, GBC Certification Means
No Vaults or Concrete Liners: Traditional burials often require a concrete or fiberglass vault to support the ground and prevent it from sinking. A GBC-certified cemetery prohibits the use of these vaults, allowing the body to return to the earth naturally.
Biodegradable Containers Only: The use of metal caskets, plastics, and non-biodegradable materials is forbidden. Instead, only shrouds or caskets made from natural, biodegradable materials like unvarnished wood, bamboo, wicker, or a simple cotton shroud are permitted.
Natural Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration: GBC-certified cemeteries, particularly those designated as "Conservation Burial Grounds," are often managed with a focus on ecological restoration. This means they are working to preserve and restore a natural habitat, such as a forest or meadow. They often have minimal landscaping, allowing native plants to thrive.
No Toxic Embalming Chemicals: The use of formaldehyde-based embalming fluids is strictly prohibited. If embalming is necessary, only non-toxic, plant-based alternatives are allowed.
Commitment to Transparency: The GBC requires certified providers to be transparent with their pricing and practices, ensuring that families know exactly what they are getting and that the burial truly meets green standards.
For a Funeral Home, GBC Certification Means
Offering Green Burial Options: A GBC-certified funeral home must provide a range of services that support a green burial. This includes offering biodegradable caskets and shrouds, facilitating home funerals, and working with certified green cemeteries.
Education and Expertise: The staff at a certified funeral home are knowledgeable about green burial practices. They can guide families through the process, explain the benefits, and help them make informed decisions.
No Use of Formaldehyde: They will either offer services without embalming or use only GBC-approved, non-toxic embalming fluids if a family requests it.
Partnerships with Certified Cemeteries: A GBC-certified funeral home will have established relationships with local green burial cemeteries, making the process seamless for families who choose this option.
Emphasis on Simple and Natural Care: The focus is on a natural approach to body preparation, such as refrigeration or the use of dry ice, rather than chemical preservation.
Why is GBC Certification Important for Families?
Choosing a GBC-certified provider gives you peace of mind. It's a stamp of approval that assures you that the funeral home or cemetery is not just offering a "green" option in name, but is truly committed to the environmental principles behind natural burial. It eliminates the guesswork and provides a clear pathway for those who want their final wishes to align with their lifelong values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In a world where we are increasingly aware of our impact on the planet, GBC certification is a beacon for a more conscious and respectful way to honor a loved one and the earth. If you're considering a green burial, looking for this certification is the best first step.
