Green Burials 101
If you have had a death in your family, you may be the person in charge of making funerary arrangements. This can involve making all manner of decisions and it is always vital to keep in mind what the deceased would have preferred. If your loved one was someone who was worried about the environment, you will want to consider a green burial. Delmar, NY funeral homes can tell you all about what these kind of burials entail and what you need to know about planning one.
Green burials cannot include embalming. Since embalming fluids are chemicals that can seep into the ground as the body breaks down, if you want to have a truly green burial, funeral homes do not recommend using it. Of course, this means that you have to be very careful when planning funeral services. Some locations do not allow you to have the casket and body present if it is not embalmed. Be sure to speak with the funeral home director to learn more about this.
Some cemeteries do not allow green burials, while others have specific sections reserved for this kind of option. Usually, this is because green burials involve caskets that are quick to break down. This can cause the ground to shift about and that may not be something that all cemeteries want. These days there are more cemeteries that are allowing this kind of burial, however, so if you are interested, you will want to reach out to the funeral home you are using to see what contacts they have in the area.
Unlike other burial options, green burials allow you to participate in the process. You can help to dig the grave and to lower the body into it. This can help you get the kind of closure that you want after a death.
There are special caskets that are perfect for green burials. These are caskets that do not have any metal parts and that are made of completely biodegradable materials. Some people choose to use shrouds instead of a casket, since these put even less stress on the environment and can help break the body down quickly. Wicker is a great option, as are other kinds of soft woods. Speak with the funeral home director to see what options they recommend for your budget and your needs.
These are the essential things you need to be aware of when deciding on green burial for a loved one or for your own preplanning arrangements. Since not all cemeteries allow for this option, you will want to consult with the funeral home director you are working with to see what they suggest. Look for a funeral home in Delmar, NY that has experience offering these kinds of green services so that you do not run into any issues or difficulties. At McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc., we are dedicated to helping you plan the perfect funerary services for your loved one or yourself. Get started by visiting us at 208 N Allen St Albany, NY 12206 or by calling us at (518) 489-0188.
