When someone we love passes away, choosing how to properly say goodbye is not just emotional, but an important decision. Today, families usually choose between traditional burial and green burial. Both are respectful ways to lay a loved one to rest, but they are very different in how they treat the body, the environment, and the overall process.
Following is the explanation of both burials and their difference to help you understand better.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial is a natural and eco-friendly way of burial. This way is the most simple and natural way possible to return the body to the earth. In a green burial, no strong chemicals are used to preserve the body for longer.
The body is usually wrapped in a plain cloth shroud or placed in a simple casket made from wood. Green burials often take place in natural burial grounds or cemeteries, where the land is all natural.
What Is a Traditional Burial?
A traditional burial follows traditional funeral customs. The body is usually treated with chemicals to slow down natural decay so family and friends can view the body before burial. This process helps preserve the body for a short period.
In traditional burial, the body is placed in a metal or hardwood casket. This casket is then put inside a concrete box. The burial usually takes place in a cemetery with a headstone to mark.
Difference in Body Treatment
One of the biggest differences between green burial and traditional burial is how the body is treated before burial. In green burial, no chemical treatment is used to preserve the body. The body is allowed to return to the earth naturally.
Traditional burial often uses chemicals to slow down natural breakdown or decay. This allows the family to visit the deceased and view the body last time. It introduces un-natural substances to the soil.
Difference in Burial Materials
The materials used in each type of burial are also very different. Green burial uses natural and biodegradable materials. These include cloth shrouds, simple wooden caskets, or coffins. No concrete boxes are used.
Traditional burial uses heavy materials like metal caskets and concrete boxes. These materials can take many years to break down and require more resources to produce.
Different Impact on Environment
Green burial is the best natural way possible that is designed to be better for the environment. It reduces pollution, protects soil and water, and helps preserve natural land. Many green burial sites also support plant growth.
Traditional burial can have a larger environmental impact due to chemical use, metal, concrete, and ongoing cemetery maintenance like cutting grass short and watering.
Cost and Funeral Services Difference
Green burial is usually less expensive, because many costly items such as chemical treatment, expensive caskets, and concrete vaults are not used. Families often choose this for the simplicity and the less cost. Traditional burial can be more costly than green burial.
In terms of experience, green burial services are often simple and personal, sometimes held outdoors. Traditional funerals are usually more formal and include many customs.
