Green Burials, also called Natural Burials, are becoming more and more popular in Virginia. While cremation is also on the rise, eco-friendly burials are better for the environment than traditional burial or cremation options. Not to mention, Green Burials are also easy on the wallet.

In a nutshell, Green burial is inexpensive, simple, and gentle on the earth, making it a very appealing option for individuals from all walks of life.

“Interest in these pared-down, eco-friendly options has grown as people look for ways to cut their carbon footprint. Nearly 54 percent of Americans are considering a green burial, and 72 percent of cemeteries are reporting an increased demand, according to a survey released earlier this year by the National Funeral Directors Association. […] Choices can be made at each step of the death care process to limit waste, reduce the carbon footprint and even nourish the local ecosystem.” – The New York Times .

Green burial is usually marked by four important factors:

Without traditional embalming, the body is allowed to decompose as nature intended, without releasing unnecessary toxins into the earth. Humans have been decomposing naturally for thousands of years, and green burial brings us back to this simple, even beautiful, return to the earth.

In general, Green Burials in Virginia can take place at any designated Green Cemetery, or on a person’s private property (with permission, of course). 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, 72 percent of cemeteries are reporting an increased demand in Green Burials. The Green Burial Council keeps a directory of Natural Burial Grounds, green cemeteries located on natural preserves, and hybrid cemeteries that are designated for green burials. In Virginia it is lawful for property owners to have burials on their own land, and a casket is not required. Many cities and counties do have local ordinances about zoning and guidelines for grave plots, so it’s a good idea to check that as well.

Green burial is significantly less expensive than traditional burial for multiple reasons. Without embalming, costly caskets, expensive burial vaults, or additional service and cemetery fees, the price for Green Burial can remain very affordable.

Green cemeteries are often located on natural preserves, protecting the land for local wildlife, plants, and trees. Without embalming, the body is allowed to decompose as nature intended, without releasing unnecessary toxins into the earth. Humans have been decomposing naturally for thousands of years, and green burial brings us back to this simple, even beautiful, return to the earth.

The most important thing about the return of green burial is that it gives people more options than they might have realized they had for meaningful ceremonies.

The popularity of green burial has made it clear that people want choices when it comes to the end of life, and the option of green burial is empowering them to make choices they can feel good about.

One of the beautiful things about Green Burials is that it really leaves room for a lot of imagination, with dozens of possibilities for how and in what people choose to be buried. 

Here are some of the types of boxes and materials that Green Burials use:

And here are a few more unique green burial methods:

If you are interested in a Green Burial in Virginia, you probably have a lot of questions! Sitting down with a planning director at Tharp Funeral Home is a quick and efficient way to get your questions answered and start planning, or pre-planning, an eco-friendly burial.