My "haiku" today... (Not that I am planning to leave here any time soon, God willing).
It’s the way to go
A way of helping the Earth
From one’s resting site
C’est la voie à suivre
Une façon d’aider la Terre
En se reposant
Natural burial, also known as green burial, is a method of burial that aims to have minimal environmental impact. It's a legal practice in Canada and is becoming more common.
The modern green burial movement began in the UK in the 1990s, but over the years has become international in scope. Green burial is really a set of five principles that support and advocate for more sustainable funeral and burial practices:
Principle #1: No embalming: Bodies that are not embalmed can still be prepared in a dignified way for burial and viewing, but will decompose without adding chemicals to the earth.
Principle #2: Direct earth burial: Bodies can be wrapped in biodegradable shrouds and/or placed into a biodegradable casket or similar container, ideally as locally sourced as possible. They are then buried directly in the ground.
Principle #3: Ecological restoration and conservation: After a green burial, the surface of the grave is allowed to settle before being restored with locally indigenous species of grasses and plants, ideally one that integrates seamlessly into the surrounding ecosystem. Burial grounds are also preserved and protected by covenants, protective easements, and other enforceable guarantees to ensure that the site will never be repurposed.
Principle #4: Simple memorialization: Memorialization should be simple and visually appropriate to the burial site. Communal memorialization is preferred to individual memorization, but both should use simple, natural, and locally sourced materials. Ultimately, the green burial site as a whole is intended to act as a living memorial to those interred there.
Principle #5: Optimized land use: Green burial cemeteries make the most of the land they occupy and include minimal infrastructure. Grave re-use is practiced where permitted.
Heritage Woods is a dedicated section of Chilliwack Cemeteries that follows natural, direct earth burial and other green burial principles. Their efforts and practices contribute to the overall restoration and reforestation of the Heritage Woods ecosystem.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Rebecca
Yet it is true and what a great way to beat those who profiteer from burials.
On reflection I actually find myself agreeing. One's body is only temporary or borrowed accommodation.
Love this, indeed, wonderful to be reading you, my friend.
I'm finding very nice obituaries of almost everyone without having to go to the cemetery to find minimal information or even have to talk to relatives.
Ron