By Jess Growden
Dr. Jennifer Flinn discovered the idea of sustainable burials when she came across the subject researching with her psychology students. Her interest was piqued and she continued to learn about them, until Forever Green: Sustainable Burials, a full-length lecture and presentation was born.
“I found out how much we use of non-renewable resources in traditional burials,” she said. Per year, the funeral industry uses 827,600 gallons of embalming fluid, which contains known carcinogens, like formaldehyde. 104,272 tons of steel and 5.4 million pounds of copper are used in casket and tomb construction. “A lot of resources are going into a hole in the ground,” Flinn said sadly.
Cremation is no better for the environment, contrary to how many think. 20% of cremations are done out of environmental concerns, yet cremation releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere and there is “still a significant amount of waste in this process, especially in the older facilities,” according to Flinn’s research.
Natural burials are an alternative for those who wish to consider the environment in their final acts. The movement began in the UK in 1993, but it is not a new idea. Until the 1800s, burials were primarily handled by the immediate family of the decedent. Coffins were simple and no harsh chemicals were used. A plain shroud, a pine box, and a hole in the ground were all that was necessary in many Western societies. However, this changed in the 19th century. Bodies were processed by funeral homes. Titles like “funeral director” and “mortician” came into use. Chemicals were used for preservation and coffins became ornate
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In natural burial, “the primary focus is to eliminate anything that isn’t natural,” said Flinn. “Natural materials would be used for the shroud, casket, and the grave marker.” There is no vault, no embalming, and the coffin must be made out of natural materials.
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| Natural Coffins |
40 states in the US have some sort of natural burial option. Within these are three classifications granted by the certifying board, Green Burial Council. There is a hybrid burial ground, which is an area designated for natural burials within a traditional cemetery. Natural burial grounds are the next option. They do not permit toxic chemicals and strive for energy conservation in the burial process. Conservation burial grounds must meet all of the regulations for the previous two options and also be designated as conservation land.
If the idea of helping the environment does not sell it, perhaps the cost will. Traditional burials can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000. With a natural burial, “it’s going to be more along the lines of $200 to $2,000,” said Flinn with a knowing smile.
As of now, Maryland does not have a natural burial site. There are plans to create a site in Pittsburg, PA. For Western Maryland residents looking to be buried naturally, the closest options are Ohio or New Jersey. Upon hearing this news, one professor in attendance murmured, “I don’t want be left in Ohio for all eternity.” A student replied, “Or New Jersey, right?”
For those wishing to avoid eternity in Ohio and New Jersey, there is the option of an eternal reef. Reef balls are constructed out of eco-friendly concrete and the decedent’s cremated remains are included within the reef ball. A memorial plaque is placed on the reef. It is then taken out to a designated area off the coast and dropped into the ocean. Within a few months, plants will start to grow on it and fish will breed there. Loved ones can scuba dive to visit the reef and see the wildlife that now has a home.
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| Eternal Reefs, eternalreefs.com |
FSU Biology students presented a third option, which is supposed to be the most environmentally friendly option. A Swedish company, Promessa, will freeze the body, submerge it in liquid nitrogen, and then shatter the body with sound waves. The water will be extracted and then a centrifuge will separate the remaining pieces so that any metal, like tooth fillings or pacemakers, can be removed. What is left is an organic powder. This powder is placed in a cornstarch box. The idea is to plant the box to fertilize soil and grow a tree on the site of your loved one’s remains.
A quick survey showed that the majority of students and professors in attendance would definitely consider a sustainable burial. Dr. Flinn would like an Eternal Reef burial, calling the idea, “nifty.” Rachel Skipper, one of the student presenters would like to be processed by Promessa, and then buried in a field with a willow tree planted on top of her. Erin Eve echoed her sentiment. Marcus Carter, the third student presenter said, “I don’t plan on dying.” What if the worst should happen? “I want my ashes scattered in space.” Now the question remains: is this eco-friendly or just plain littering?
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| Students discussing green burials |
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