Can I Be Buried In The Woods? Understanding Natural Burial
The answer to “Can I be buried in the woods?” is a conditional yes: In many regions, natural burial, or “green burial,” is permissible, offering an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional methods, but it’s crucial to understand and comply with local regulations and cemetery requirements.
What is Natural Burial?
Natural burial, also known as green burial or woodland burial, represents a return to simpler, more eco-friendly funerary practices. It emphasizes minimal environmental impact, avoiding embalming fluids, concrete vaults, and traditional caskets in favor of biodegradable shrouds or simple wooden coffins. The goal is to allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth, enriching the soil and supporting the local ecosystem.
The Allure of Green Burial: Benefits and Motivations
More and more individuals are exploring natural burial as an option. Why? The appeal is multifaceted:
- Environmental Responsibility: Reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional burial, which includes the energy-intensive production of caskets, vaults, and the manufacture and transportation of embalming fluids.
- Connection to Nature: Provides a sense of peace and connection to the natural world, allowing loved ones to rest in a peaceful, natural setting.
- Cost Savings: Can be more affordable than traditional burial, as it eliminates the need for expensive caskets, embalming, and concrete vaults.
- Personalized Memorials: While headstones are typically not allowed to preserve the natural landscape, families can often mark the site with a tree planting or a GPS coordinate.
The Legal Landscape: Where Can I be buried in the woods?
While the desire for natural burial is growing, the legal and regulatory framework is complex and varies considerably by location.
- State Laws: Each state has its own regulations regarding burial, including requirements for death certificates, permits, and the disposition of remains. Some states explicitly permit natural burial, while others are silent on the issue. Silence does not necessarily mean prohibition, but careful investigation is required.
- Local Ordinances: County and municipal ordinances can further restrict or regulate burial practices. It’s essential to check with local authorities, including zoning departments and health departments, to determine whether natural burial is allowed on private land.
- Cemetery Regulations: Even if natural burial is legal in a given area, most cemeteries still follow traditional practices. Seek out cemeteries specifically dedicated to natural or green burial. These cemeteries typically have specific guidelines regarding acceptable burial containers, depth of burial, and memorialization.
- Private Land Considerations: Burying on private land presents a unique set of challenges. Ownership of the land must be clearly established, and any restrictions or covenants on the property must be considered. Gaining permission from all property owners and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations are crucial steps.
- Navigating the bureaucracy: Working with a funeral director who specializes in natural burial can prove invaluable, as they can guide you through the complex permitting processes and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Process of Natural Burial: A Step-by-Step Guide
The actual process of natural burial is simple but requires careful planning and execution:
- Planning: Decide on the type of burial (natural burial ground, green cemetery, or private land). Research local regulations and cemetery guidelines. Choose a biodegradable burial container (shroud, wicker basket, or wooden coffin).
- Preparation: Prepare the body without embalming. Wrap the body in a shroud or place it in the chosen burial container.
- Site Selection: Choose a burial site that meets all regulatory requirements and cemetery guidelines. Consider factors such as soil type, drainage, and proximity to water sources.
- Burial: Dig the grave to the required depth (typically 3-4 feet). Lower the body into the grave. Fill the grave with soil.
- Memorialization: Mark the site in accordance with cemetery guidelines. Consider planting a tree or native plants as a living memorial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Considering Natural Burial
- Failing to research local regulations: This is the most critical mistake. Always verify the legality of natural burial in your chosen location.
- Using non-biodegradable materials: Using a casket made of metal or a shroud made of synthetic fabric defeats the purpose of natural burial.
- Burying too shallow: Burying the body at an insufficient depth can attract animals and create health hazards.
- Ignoring cemetery guidelines: Even in green cemeteries, there are often specific rules regarding burial containers, memorialization, and site maintenance.
- Failing to properly plan for long-term site maintenance: Consider who will be responsible for maintaining the burial site and ensuring its continued natural state.
Choosing a Natural Burial Cemetery
When exploring natural burial cemeteries, consider these factors:
- Certification: Look for cemeteries certified by organizations like the Green Burial Council, which ensures adherence to strict environmental standards.
- Landscape Preservation: Assess the cemetery’s commitment to preserving the natural landscape and promoting biodiversity.
- Memorialization Options: Inquire about the allowed forms of memorialization.
- Grave Marker Policies: Understand the rules and regulations around grave markers. Many green cemeteries do not allow traditional headstones to preserve the natural habitat.
| Feature | Traditional Cemetery | Natural Burial Cemetery |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ———————- | ————————- |
| Embalming | Often required | Prohibited |
| Casket | Typically elaborate | Biodegradable only |
| Vaults | Required | Prohibited |
| Memorialization | Headstones common | Natural Markers |
| Environmental Impact | High | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Burial
Can I be buried in the woods on my own property?
The answer depends entirely on local and state laws. Some jurisdictions allow burial on private land if certain conditions are met, such as obtaining permits, adhering to minimum burial depths, and maintaining a certain distance from water sources. It’s absolutely crucial to consult with local authorities before proceeding.
What is the Green Burial Council?
The Green Burial Council is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies cemeteries and funeral homes that meet its standards for environmentally sustainable burial practices. Looking for certification from the Green Burial Council can provide assurance that a cemetery or funeral home is genuinely committed to green burial.
What are the acceptable burial containers for natural burial?
Acceptable burial containers include biodegradable shrouds made of natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk), wicker baskets, and simple wooden coffins made from sustainably harvested wood. The key is that the container must decompose naturally and not contain any synthetic materials or toxic chemicals.
Is embalming allowed in natural burial?
No, embalming is strictly prohibited in natural burial. Embalming fluids contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate the soil and water table. Natural burial embraces the natural decomposition process and avoids any artificial preservation.
How deep does a grave need to be for natural burial?
The required depth of a grave for natural burial typically ranges from 3 to 4 feet. This depth ensures that the body decomposes properly and that the grave is safe from scavengers. Local regulations may specify exact depth requirements.
Can I have a headstone in a natural burial cemetery?
Most natural burial cemeteries do not allow traditional headstones, as they disrupt the natural landscape. Instead, they may permit natural markers, such as flat stones or wooden plaques, or they may use GPS coordinates to identify burial sites. The focus is on preserving the natural character of the cemetery.
What happens to the body in a natural burial?
In a natural burial, the body decomposes naturally and returns to the earth, enriching the soil and supporting the local ecosystem. Microorganisms break down the organic matter, and nutrients are released into the soil.
How does natural burial impact the environment?
Natural burial has a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional burial. It reduces the carbon footprint associated with casket and vault production, eliminates the use of toxic embalming fluids, and helps to conserve land. By returning the body to the earth in a natural state, natural burial supports biodiversity and ecosystem health.
How much does natural burial cost?
Natural burial can often be more affordable than traditional burial, as it eliminates the need for expensive caskets, embalming, and concrete vaults. However, the cost can vary depending on the cemetery or funeral home and the specific services selected. Direct cremation is frequently the least expensive option.
Can I have a religious ceremony at a natural burial?
Yes, religious ceremonies are often permitted at natural burials. The ceremony can be tailored to the individual’s beliefs and preferences. Many families find that a simple, heartfelt ceremony in a natural setting is particularly meaningful.
What if I have a pacemaker or other medical device?
Some medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, may need to be removed before burial, as they can pose an environmental hazard. Check with your funeral director or medical professional to determine whether any devices need to be removed.
How do I find a natural burial cemetery near me?
You can find a natural burial cemetery near you by searching online directories, such as the Green Burial Council’s website, or by contacting a funeral director who specializes in natural burial. Be sure to research the cemetery thoroughly and ensure that it meets your needs and values.