“Green” or Environmentally friendly burials.

Mariam A. Mutib

What is “Green burials.”

• This term refers to a method of burial which is environmentally friendly to our planet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go simple go “Green”

• Choose a “Green” cemetery• Say NO to embalming• Request, buy or make your own

biodegradable container• Consider a home funeral

A basket vs. A casketBy law, you are allowed to use whatever type

of container you like -- even a homemade one. Casket costs $2500 to fancier models $20,000.

“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

Simple marking vs. Concrete monuments

Headstone monuments run from $1000 and up

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.

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.”

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.

“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 )

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.

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.