When we see death integrally entwined with life, everything changes. Green burial is an alternative to conventional practices and products, and allows for a simple, natural return to the earth in places of solace and beauty. It invites us to become part of a timeless story of restoration and renewal — one that helps heal the planet as well as those we love.
Green burial is a simple and environmentally sustainable way to honor your loved one’s wishes. While new in many ways, green burial is aligned with our most ancient rites and traditions. It respects a desire to return to nature after passing, and allows your loved one to be laid to rest without the use of chemicals. As you move through this deeply personal journey, know that green burial never limits the ways you can honor a life and leave a legacy. It only opens up possibilities.
Morgan Oaks provides families with natural and meaningful memorial landscapes that focus on preservation and stewardship. We are dedicated to creating beautiful and peaceful final resting spaces that are focused on restoring and protecting the natural surroundings of the existing ecosystems. Our caring staff is here to guide you every step of the way as you navigate through this difficult time, and we’re always available to review all your green burial options.
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Our Morgan Oaks staff is always available to answer your green burial questions. Here are some of the most common questions we receive.
Conventional embalming fluid is usually comprised of the chemical formaldehyde, which has been proven to pose health risks, and is recognized as a carcinogen in certain states. A study by the National Cancer Institute released in late 2009 revealed that funeral directors have a much higher incidence of myeloid leukemia.
As for its perceived need, it only prolongs decay slightly, but it includes additives to help provide skin tone and color to the deceased for viewing aesthetics. When used it requires the removal of various parts of the body, which often then don’t make it to the grave. There are other alternatives to preservation, the most effective being keeping the body cold.
Studies have shown that conventional cemeteries often create high levels of toxic metal (and limited chemical) contamination of soils and groundwater. The contaminants come primarily from the caskets, from wood preserves, paints, and varnishes, as well as actual metal fasteners and adornments, and to a lesser degree from embalming fluids.
If bodies are buried in biodegradable materials in areas of good soil and ecology, the existing soil chemistry, microbes, plants, and soil critters will quickly decompose the body and use it to foster new life. Studies have shown that viruses and bacteria present in a body are usually retained in the immediate soil and have limited persistence, if any. In addition the low burial density and rate allow nature to use and neutralize anything of concern.
However, it is important to not bury in flood plains or areas with shallow water tables. While regulations vary by location, as a precaution, and for peace of mind, we follow the setback requirements for domestic septic systems.
The Green Burial Council believes a casket, urn or shroud is suitable for a green burial if it’s made from materials/substances that are nontoxic and readily biodegradable. The GBC also requires that these products not be made from materials harvested in a manner that unnecessarily destroys habitat.
A list of caskets, urns and shrouds that meet these requirements, whose producers have fully disclosed material safety data sheets, can be found at the Green Burial Council’s Finding a Provider section. Individual burial sites will also have a list of approved items, and possible local sources.
Learn more about our green burial options. Call us at (833) 667-4266
Introducing our Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve located in Placer County, California.
421 Fleming Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648
