Exploring the Benefits of Green Funeral Homes in 2023

Funeral homes in Morgan County, IN are increasingly turning to green funerals to provide environmentally-friendly burial options for their clients. Green funerals, also known as natural burials, are a growing opportunity for families to memorialize their loved ones while simultaneously protecting the environment. 

What is a Green Funeral? 

A green funeral is an environmentally-friendly alternative to a traditional funeral. Instead of using traditional caskets and embalming fluids, green funerals focus on natural materials and processes that don't harm the environment. 

Common components of green funerals include biodegradable caskets, natural embalming fluids, and burial at a green cemetery. These burial options are great for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make a lasting impact on the environment. 

Benefits of Green Funerals 

Green funerals provide a number of benefits for families and the environment. 

For families: 

1. Low Cost: Green burials are typically less expensive than traditional burials because they do not require the use of a casket, embalming, and other expensive funeral services. 

2. Eco-Friendly: Green burials are a more eco-friendly option as they do not rely on the use of chemicals, such as formaldehyde, for embalming. Additionally, biodegradable materials are used for burial. 

3. Natural Landscape: Green burials typically take place in natural, often rural settings. This can be a peaceful and calming experience for family members and friends. 

4. Simplicity: Green burials can be simpler than traditional burials. There are fewer decisions to make and fewer materials to purchase. 

5. Sense of Community: Green burials can offer a sense of community, as they often take place in natural settings that can be shared with other families and friends. 

For the environment: 

1. Reduced use of resources: Green burials require no embalming, no concrete or metal vaults, and minimal use of wood, which reduces resource consumption. 

2. Less carbon emissions: Embalming and other traditional burial practices often use toxic chemicals that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Green burials use no such chemicals, resulting in fewer carbon emissions. 

3. Enhanced biodiversity: Green burials allow for the use of native plants and trees, which can help restore natural habitats and promote biodiversity. 

4. Soil enrichment: The body, along with its biodegradable shroud or casket, acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and providing nutrients for plants. 

5. Conservation of land: Green burials typically require less land than traditional burials, which can help preserve natural landscapes and ecosystems. 

What's The Average Cost Of A Green Funeral In 2023? 

The average cost for a green funeral in 2023 is difficult to estimate as costs vary depending on the type of services provided and the area in which the funeral takes place. 

Generally, green funerals costs between $2,000 and $4,000. However, they tend to be more expensive than traditional funerals because of the additional costs associated with green burial such as purchasing a biodegradable casket or urn, transportation of the body to a green burial site, and the cost of managing the green burial or cremation process. Additionally, some green funeral services may provide additional services such as eco-friendly memorials or celebrations, which could add to the cost. 

Will Green Burials Soon Be A Requirement For All Funeral Homes? 

No, green burials are not likely to become a requirement for all funeral homes in the near future. While green burials are becoming more popular, they are not yet widespread enough to be mandated by law. In addition, many families may prefer traditional funerals due to religious beliefs or other personal reasons. 

As more people become aware of the environmental impact of traditional funerals, more funeral homes in Morgan County, IN, will likely begin to offer green funeral options over the next few years.