How we say
goodbye to a loved one is a very personal choice, and often one of the first
things to decide is whether to opt for a burial or cremation. An increasingly
popular option is an eco – or natural – burial, especially for those who might
have concerns about the environment. An eco burial is a fitting way to give a
personalised goodbye to a friend or relative who had a green philosophy or
particular interest in the environment. Below we will discuss what an eco
burial is, how it works and ways you can organise a natural burial if you wish.
As the name
suggests, an eco burial is primarily concerned with the environment, and making
sure as little as possible is added to the earth to reduce pollution and
interference. Natural burials do not use the embalming process to avoid
contaminating the soil, and the body is buried in a biodegradable coffin made
from a material such as bamboo or sustainably grown wood. The deceased must be
buried in one of the many natural burial sites found across the UK, many of
which are on protected land in order to preserve the area for local wildlife.
Many sites
don’t allow headstones or any other permanent grave marker, but might encourage
you to plant a memorial tree or bush instead. This is so the site can be
preserved as an area of natural beauty, as well as one that isn’t instantly
recognisable as a burial ground.
If you’re
looking for the nearest eco burial site in your area, you can find a list of
natural burial grounds on the website for UK charity the Natural Death Centre (NDC)
.
The site lists all members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, and
includes information about each ground plus feedback from those who have a
family or friend buried there.
A natural
burial is the perfect choice for anyone concerned about the environment, as
this method is by far the most environmentally friendly. Traditional embalming
and coffin materials slow the rate of decomposition, but an eco burial allows a
body to return to the earth and become part of the natural life cycle.
Eco burials
also tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, with a biodegradable
coffin costing around a quarter of the price of even the most basic wooden
coffin. The burial sites are also protected from development so you can be sure
that nature will be allowed to thrive without outside interference.
If you’d like to explore your options for a
green burial, contact Normington and Sons. Based in West Yorkshire, our staff
are available 24 hours a day to offer support and advice for planning a
service. Give us a call today or visit
the website
to see a full range of our services.
