Climate Change and Green Interments
Understanding Climate Change
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, particularly an increase in global temperatures, largely due to human activities. Key contributors to climate change include:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy and transportation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Deforestation: Cutting down forests for agriculture, logging, and urban development reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2.
Industrial Processes: Many industrial activities emit greenhouse gasses and other pollutants.
Agriculture: Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and fertilizer use can release nitrous oxide.
Impacts of Climate Change:
Rising global temperatures
Melting polar ice and glaciers
Rising sea levels
More frequent and severe weather events (hurricanes, droughts, floods)
Disruption of ecosystems and biodiversity loss
Impact on human health and agriculture
Green Interments
Green interments, also known as natural burials, are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation practices. They aim to minimize environmental impact and promote the conservation of natural resources.
Traditional Burial and Cremation Environmental Impact:
Traditional Burial:
Embalming chemicals can leach into the soil and water.
Concrete vaults and metal caskets require significant resources to produce.
Cemeteries require extensive land use and maintenance.80
Cornell University reports that
80,000 Gallons of formaldehyde and other embalming processing goes into the earth every year.
An embalmer takes the risk of life expectancy to be shortened by 10 years
20 Million feet of wood board goes into the earth from wood caskets, enough to build 90 homes every single year.
Annually, 64,500 tons of steel go into the earth from steel caskets
Every year, 1.6 Million tons of concrete goes into the earth from concrete vaults that caskets are interred inside of.
Cemetery upkeep requires pesticides and water use. The runoff of pesticides are detrimental to water quality. It is advised not to grow or live next to a cemetery.
Cremation:
Energy-intensive process, typically using natural gas.
Releases CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Cornell University reports that
Fossil fuel that burns continuously for 1-3 hours releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and the air we breathe.
Annually, fire cremations use enough fossil fuels to get us half way to the sun (every year!).
53% of Americans choose fire cremation every year due to mobility, tradition, affordability, and under the false assumption that it's a “green interment,’ perhaps its greener than traditional burials but there are other choices!
Benefits of Green Interments:
Minimal Environmental Impact:
No embalming fluids are used, preventing chemical contamination.
Biodegradable caskets or shrouds allow the body to decompose naturally and enrich the soil.
Natural burials do not require concrete vaults, reducing resource use.
Conservation of Natural Resources:
Green burial grounds are often designed to be natural preserves, protecting land from development.
Lower resource consumption compared to traditional methods.
Carbon Sequestration:
Natural burial sites can serve as carbon sinks, with vegetation absorbing CO2.
Biodiversity Support:
Natural burial grounds can enhance local biodiversity by providing habitats for plants and wildlife.
How Green Interments Help Combat Climate Change
Reducing Carbon Footprint:
By avoiding the energy-intensive processes of traditional burial and cremation, green interments significantly lower the carbon footprint associated with end-of-life practices.
Promoting Sustainable Land Use:
Green burial grounds often function as protected natural areas, preventing urban sprawl and preserving ecosystems.
Encouraging Eco-Friendly Practices:
Green interments can raise awareness about sustainable practices and encourage individuals to consider their environmental impact even after death.
Steps to Opt for a Green Interment
Connect with us at Cardamom Path or death doula near you:
To find more about what is available like burials at sea, home funerals, water cremations, and natural organic reductions.
Research Green Burial Sites:
Look for certified green burial grounds in your area. Organizations such as the Green Burial Council or Order of the Good Death to provide listings and standards for green cemeteries.
Choose Biodegradable Materials in Traditional Burials:
Select biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or urns made from materials like bamboo, wicker, or untreated wood.
Plan Ahead:
Make your wishes known to family and include them in your end-of-life plan. Pre-planning can ensure your environmental values are honored.
Avoid Embalming:
Opt out of embalming, and if necessary, request refrigeration or dry ice to preserve the body until the burial. Embalming is not required by law; however body preservation methods need to be in place before interments.
Consider a Home Funeral:
Home funerals can be a more personal and environmentally friendly alternative, reducing the need for transportation and additional resources.
Conclusion
Green interments offer a sustainable and eco-friendly option that aligns with efforts to combat climate change. By choosing a natural burial, individuals can reduce their environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and support biodiversity. As awareness of environmental issues grows, green interments are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking to leave a positive legacy for the planet.
