What is a Green Burial?
Green burials are about choosing burial options that respect the delicate balance of nature. These natural or eco-friendly burials are committed to minimizing environmental impact. So, unlike conventional burials, which often feature non-biodegradable caskets or concrete vaults, green burials prioritize simplicity, sustainability, and reverence for the earth and nature. Green burials also allow the body to decompose naturally, minimizing the use of toxic embalming materials and generally feature biodegradable caskets or shrouds made from sustainable materials.
Types of Green Burials
Tree Burial
A tree burial or a tree pod burial involves placing the body or the cremated remains in a biodegradable pod or urn, which is then buried in the ground. A tree is planted above the pod, allowing the nutrients from the decomposing body to nourish the tree.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, tree burials can also:
- Serve as a living memorial in place of the traditional headstone
- Help reduce carbon emissions by eliminating energy-intensive processes such as casket manufacturing
- Help with personal and spiritual fulfillment by offering a sense of continuity through knowing that we can contribute to new life and growth
- Create a family legacy by offering a place for families to gather and remember their loved ones
Tree burials offer a way to ensure that our final act on this planet is one of giving back. It’s a choice that reflects a desire to leave behind a lasting and positive impact.
The Ancestral Forest Project at Hollywood Forever
This green burial option reimagines Hollywood Forever’s 52-acre lawns as an evergreen ancestral forest with hundreds of memorial trees planted in its bosom each year. Inspired by the Fernwood Cemetery, a National Wildlife Federation Habitat in the San Francisco Bay Area, we envision our Ancestry Forest Project as a living memorial for families and a sanctuary for wildlife in the future.
Choosing this arrangement is a simple yet meaningful process. You first select a tree burial or natural burial space and your preferred tree. We highly recommend live oaks and native trees as they contribute to nurturing local flora and fauna. You can choose a new or existing tree and then hold a ceremony that celebrates the life lived and the commencement and sustenance of another.
Cremation
Cremation is a practice that involves using intense heat to respectfully transform the human body into cremated remains.
The cremation process may serve as a funeral, post-funeral rite, or interment alternative. This practice’s ancient origins date back thousands of years. It was common in ancient Greece and Rome. Cremation was often associated with purifying the soul and releasing it from its earthly trappings.
Cremation has become increasingly prevalent in America, with the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reporting that the cremation rate is projected to reach nearly 80% by 2040.
While cremation may not be a carbon-neutral process, it is still deemed more eco-friendly than traditional burials. This is because the service does not utilize non-biodegradable concrete gravestones, caskets, and linings. It also does not require burial in the ground, as cremated remains can be kept as a memorial or scattered in a meaningful way. The cremated remains can also be buried through a tree burial.
Choose Sustainable and Meaningful Ways to Say Goodbye
Green burials offer an environmentally friendly approach to celebrating a life well-lived. Whether it’s for loved ones or ourselves, green burials not only provide a meaningful resting place but also contribute positively to the preservation of our planet.
If you’re considering a green burial for yourself or a loved one, Hollywood Forever can help you choose final rites that resonate with your beliefs.
Hollywood Forever is a full-service cemetery, funeral home, and cremation services provider in Los Angeles. Operating since 1899, we provide diverse options to honor your loved ones through both traditional and nontraditional means. Reach out to find out more about our cremation services or alternative burial rituals.
