2. What is “Green burials.”
• This term refers to a method of burial
which is environmentally friendly to our
planet.
3. The need for a change
• Allowing Earth to do what Nature intended
for it which is recycling.
• Cost effective way of exiting our planet.
• Leaving Earth toxic free and safe for
everyone else.
4. Facts
• The National Cancer Institute 2009
indicates that “much higher incidence” of
myeloid leukemia is linked to carcinogen
chemical formaldehyde used in funeral
embalming process.
5. What is embalming?
• Embalming is a three-stage process of preserving
a corpse for viewing: setting the deceased’s
“features” as they will appear in the casket,
draining the body of blood and replacing it with a
formaldehyde-based preservative, and then
inserting a sharp-pointed “trocar” into the
abdomen in order to puncture the body’s inner
organs, vacuum up the released bacteria and
surrounding visceral fluids, and flood the
“cleared” area with more formaldehyde.
6. Is embalming really necessary ?
• According to www.alleghenyfront.org
American Society of Embalmers estimates
that it normally takes three gallons of
embalming fluid to preserve a body.
Nothing in state or federal law requires that
bodies be embalmed except in cases that
involve rare diseases like cholera.
7. Effect of funeral chemicals
• Cancer causing to those who handle
formaldehyde chemical used to embalm a
body.
• Environmentally NOT safe as this cancer
causing chemical is dumped into our
ground and water.
8. Go simple go “Green”
• Choose a “Green” cemetery
• Say NO to embalming
• Request, buy or make your own
biodegradable container
• Consider a home funeral
9. A basket vs. A casket
By law, you are allowed to use whatever type
of container you like -- even a homemade
one. Casket costs $2500 to fancier models
$20,000.
10. “Green” options
• This line of environmentally-
friendly "green" caskets
are manufactured by New
England Casket Co. of Boston,
distributed by Criswell Casket
Co. of St. Louis, and are
available at Cozean Memorial
Chapel. The model shown is
the less expensive and
simplest. More detailed and
modern designs are available.
The green embalming fluid is
the "Enigma" eco embalming
product line manufactured by
Champion Fluid Company of
Ohio. www.homestead.org
11. Simple marking vs. Concrete monuments
Headstone monuments run from $1000 and up
12. Why avoid vaults
• Every year, more than 1.5 million tons of
reinforced concrete are buried along with caskets
and bodies.
• Not because it is required…just because it makes
it easier for landscaping keep up of the
cemeteries.
• Vaults run for $500 -$10,000.
• Since the body is Not directly on soil it
decomposition is delayed.
13. Wood, steel and concrete
According to www.homestead.com
“cemeteries contain enough coffin wood to
construct more than 40 houses, nearly
1,000 tons of casket steel and another
twenty thousand tons of vault concrete.”
14. Funeral cost vs. “green burial”
• Average price for a
traditional funeral can
run close to or over
$10,000.
• Lots depending on
location $2,000 -
$25,000.
• Average price run from
$1,500 to $4,500.
• Cost of location, services,
regional cost trends.
• Container can be
homemade or cardboard.
• No concrete vault for
faster decomposition.
15. “Green burial” and the Earth
• “Green burial practices can further other
ecological imperatives as well, such as
reducing carbon emissions, conserving
natural resources and restoring natural
habitats. Green burial areas are designed to
minimize impact on the natural landscape.”
(Joe Sehee non-profit org. that issues burial
certifications for cemeteries
www.discovery.com )
16. Home funerals
• A family can facilitate a home funeral in
almost every state. It wasn't so many years
ago that preparing a body and holding
funeral in the home was the accepted
practice and norm.
17. Earth as it recycles at the End too.
• Make decisions about your burial Now.
• Go “green” allow Earth to work with you.
• Avoid the huge cost and a burden to your
family.
