8 Steps in Pre Planning your Green Burial

If you are considering a green funeral the best way to make sure that everything is carried out the way that you want it is to pre plan it yourself. How to plan a natural burial:

 

1. Pre-plan when possible.

 

 

If possible, make the arrangements ahead of the time of need to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

 

 

 

2. State Your Wishes.

 

Even if you are unable to make the arrangements in advance, take the time to state your intentions. Verbally tell your loved ones what your wishes are. But, also, write them down and include a copy of those written instructions with your Last Will and Testament as well as with other important family documents. Some people even take the time to mail or email a copy of those instructions to loved ones so that when the time comes, there is no doubt about what you wish.

 

 

 

3. Be aware of the law.

 

Your state, region or country may have specific laws and guidelines in place that govern how human remains must be handled or transported. Check with a local funeral director, health agency or even do Internet searches to make sure you fully understand the laws in your area.

 

 

 

4. Seek help.

 

Don’t be shy about asking for the assistance and advice of family and friends. Even pre-planning can be an emotional and confusing time. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s the best way to show how much you care about the people in your life.

Furthermore, seek the advice of a local funeral director who may be able to answer any questions that you have.

 

 

 

5. Find out if your region or area has a Funeral Consumers Alliance.

 

A Funeral Consumers Alliance (also referred to as a “memorial society”) will be able to guide you through the steps you will need to take as well as offer valuable advice in planning a green burial. Furthermore, such a group may have already negotiated or may be able to negotiate prices of services on your behalf.

 

 

 

6. Research The Green Burial Council.

 

The Green Burial council is a not-for profit organization which was formed in order to set standards for green burials, funerals and cemeteries. Furthermore, the Council will be able to supply you with a list of green funeral homes, cemeteries and other resources in your area. This non-profit organization has established standards for truly green natural cemeteries. It also maintains a by-state list of green funeral directors and cemeteries.

 

 

 

7. Remember the nature is dignified.

 

Those who worry that burial without the traditional trappings is without dignity, rest assured that doing something that is good for the planet is one of the most respectful and beautiful things that you can do. A casket made of jute, cardboard, paper or fabric is more dignified than a mahogany casket which was manufactured at a tremendous cost to the Earth.

 

 

 

8. Decide on your container.

 

In a green burial, if a casket is used at all, that casket is required to be of a biodegradable material. Many casket manufacturers produce special biodegradable caskets ranging from easily biodegradable wood or particle board to paper products such as cardboard. If you are pre-planning, you also have the option of making and decorating your own casket or container.

 

 

 

The following agencies and organizations will be able to offer you specific advice for arranging a green burial in your country, region or state. A quick Internet search for these particular entities will bring you to their web sites.

 

 

 

Green Burial or Cremation Companies

 

• Green Endings (UK)

• Memorial Ecosystems (USA)

• Natural Endings (UK)

• Promessa (Sweden)

 

Green and Natural Burial Organizations

 

• Green Burial Council (USA)

• Green Burials (USA)

• The Natural Burial Association (Canada)

• Natural Burials (New Zealand)

• The Natural Death Centre (UK)

• Natuurlijk Dood Centrum (Netherlands)

• The Source Association (Poland)

• The Trust for Natural Legacies (USA)

 

 

You must be aware of the laws in your area regarding the handling, transportation and burial of human remains. However, many people—just as they do with natural childbirth—prefer this natural, gentle and personal way of dying.