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As environmental consciousness grows, many Canadians are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint – even after death. Green funeral options are becoming increasingly popular, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial and cremation practices. Here's what you need to know about eco-friendly end-of-life choices available in Canada.
What Are Green Burials?
Green burials, also known as natural burials, minimize environmental impact while allowing the body to decompose naturally. Unlike conventional burials, they don't use embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. Instead, the deceased is placed in a biodegradable container – such as a simple wooden casket, wicker basket, or cotton shroud – and buried directly in the earth.
Many green burial sites maintain the land as natural meadows or woodlands, using native plants and trees instead of manicured lawns. Rather than traditional headstones, graves are often marked with indigenous plants, flat stone markers, or GPS coordinates. This approach not only preserves the natural landscape but also creates sustainable memorial spaces that support local ecosystems.
Benefits of Green Burials
The environmental advantages of green burials are significant. Traditional burials in North America use approximately 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid annually, while steel caskets and concrete vaults consume valuable resources and take up considerable space. Green burials:
- Eliminate toxic chemicals from entering the soil, protecting groundwater and local ecosystems
- Reduce carbon emissions from casket and vault manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance
- Preserve natural habitats and support biodiversity through native plantings
- Cost significantly less than conventional burials, often saving families thousands of dollars
- Offer a more natural return to the earth, aligning with many spiritual and environmental values
Eco-Friendly Cremation Options
While standard cremation produces fewer environmental impacts than traditional burial, it still releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants. However, newer technologies are making cremation greener. Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) uses water, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate natural decomposition. This process:
- Produces 90% less carbon emissions than flame cremation
- Uses less energy and requires minimal chemical inputs
- Leaves no toxic by-products in air or water systems
- Results in clean, sterile remains that families can handle safely
- Preserves dental metals for recycling, reducing mining impact
Several Canadian funeral homes now offer aquamation, though availability varies by province due to differing regulations. The technology continues to gain acceptance as more people learn about its environmental benefits.
Where to Find Green Burial Sites in Canada
Green burial grounds are becoming more common across Canada. British Columbia leads the way with several certified green burial sites, including Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria and Denman Island Natural Burial Cemetery. Ontario has options like Union Cemetery in Cobourg, while Nova Scotia features Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery's green section.
Many conventional cemeteries are also adding green burial sections to meet growing demand. These hybrid cemeteries offer families the choice between traditional and natural burial options, often within the same facility. The Green Burial Society of Canada maintains an updated directory of certified sites and can help families locate options in their region.
Planning Ahead
If you're interested in green burial or eco-friendly cremation, consider:
- Discussing your wishes with family members and documenting them clearly
- Researching local options and regulations in your specific province
- Including your preferences in your will or advance care directive
- Setting aside funds specifically for your chosen arrangements
- Contacting the Green Burial Society of Canada for additional resources and guidance
- Visiting potential sites to understand their practices and policies
- Learning about available memorial options that align with green principles
Making an Informed Choice
While green funeral options may not be right for everyone, they offer meaningful alternatives for environmentally conscious Canadians. When making your decision, consider your personal values, local availability, and family preferences. Remember that even small changes to traditional practices can reduce environmental impact.
Many funeral homes now offer hybrid options that combine eco-friendly elements with more traditional approaches. For example, families might choose a biodegradable casket but opt for a traditional viewing, or select aquamation but hold a conventional memorial service. This flexibility allows families to honor their loved ones while still making environmentally responsible choices.
The Future of Green Funerals in Canada
As awareness grows and more Canadians embrace sustainable living, the availability of green funeral options will likely continue to expand. Recent surveys indicate that over 70% of Canadians are interested in environmentally friendly end-of-life options, driving change in the funeral industry. Funeral providers are responding by investing in new technologies, training staff in natural burial practices, and developing innovative solutions to meet this growing demand.
For more information about green burial options in your area, contact your local funeral home or visit the Green Burial Society of Canada's website. Together, we can work toward more sustainable end-of-life practices that benefit both our communities and the environment.
The movement toward greener funerals represents more than just environmental consciousness – it's about reconnecting with natural processes and creating meaningful, sustainable legacies for future generations. By choosing eco-friendly options, Canadians can ensure their final act contributes to environmental preservation while providing comfort and closure for their loved ones.
Whether you decide to plan ahead or are in immediate need of services, at Cleo Cremations, we are committed to offering exceptional compassionate service at an affordable price. If you have any questions about planning a cremation please reach out to our team 24/7 at (438) 817-1770; we’re here to help.