What is Natural Burial

A sketch of the natural burial spaces within the meadows and future forests at Hope, 2024.

What is Natural Burial?

Natural burial is an eco-friendly way to lay a loved one to rest, using biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or urns. This sustainable approach avoids toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, reducing the environmental impact. It allows individuals to conserve resources, reduce carbon footprint, and connect with nature. While the term "natural burials" only refers to type of burial practice, they often occur in natural or conservation areas, supporting environmental stewardship. It also offers a contemplative experience, promoting reflection on interconnectedness and embracing a positive contribution to the planet's health and a legacy of care for the natural world.

Benefits for People

Natural Burial is a compassionate and eco-friendly approach that aims to reduce the environmental footprint associated with a person's passing. This method often resonates with individuals who hold strong personal beliefs about sustainability and nature, making it a deeply meaningful option for them.

One of the unique aspects of Natural Burial is the involvement of loved ones in the process. Family and friends have the opportunity to actively participate in the burial service, adding a personal touch to the farewell. A common way to engage in this process is by adorning the grave with natural elements such as leaves, branches, and flowers. These simple yet heartfelt gestures not only honor the deceased but also provide a sense of solace and purpose amidst the grief. Studies have shown that engaging in creative acts like this can have a positive impact on individuals coping with loss, offering them a channel for expression and healing. At Hope, we encourage the act of creating, honoring the vibrancy and connection of life.

A collection of flowers from Kena Alonso's garden that adorned the ground above her natural burial space. Collected by her three-year-old granddaughter, 2021.

Benefits for the Environment

Natural burial, also known as green burial, is a sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial practices. By opting for natural burial, individuals choose to forgo non-biodegradable materials and harmful chemicals that are commonly used in conventional burials and can leach into the soil. This decision not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also prevents further contamination to the soil and water table remain.

Over 90% of the microbial activity in soil is in the upper foot

The science behind green burial. (n.d.). GREEN BURIAL COUNCIL. https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/science_green_burial.html

Burial Depth

In natural burial, the grave depth is three to four feet, compared to five to six feet in conventional burial. With much of the microbial activity, responsible for decomposition, and greater oxygen flow at the depth specified by natural burial, one is better able to return to nature.

Stormwater & the Water Table

Finally, all stormwater is filtered through Hope's stormwater management system, including bioswales, stormwater ponds, and weirs. Our elevated terrace, which accommodates casketed or shrouded natural burial in addition to cremated remains, provides additional distance between burials and the site's water table. The schematic diagram below shows soil microbial activity (bright green), a casket (yellow), and water table elevation (blue) to illustrate the raised terrace condition at Hope.

The way Hope manages stormwater is the outcome of rigorous regulatory processes at the State, District, and Local levels, which are in place to uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental protection for the benefit of the community and the ecosystem at large.

For more reading, an in-depth resource is the Green Burial Council's article, "The Science Behind Green and Conventional Burial" by Lee Webster, with editorial assistance from Carl Anderson, M.S.; Kirsten Bass, MD, PhD; John Meagher, Executive Director, RESET; Lindsay Soyer, licensed FD; Merilynne Rush; and Steven Whitman, M.A., AIC.

A diagram of soil microbial activity (bright green), casket (yellow), and water table elevation (blue) to illustrate the raised terrace condition at Hope, 2024.