Natural Burial - Green Burial
An Old tradition for a New Generation
Simply put, natural burial is the burial of a body without the use of chemicals, metals, or concrete. Families choose green burial to be more connected to the work of putting their loved one to rest, and also to minimize the environmental impact the process imposes on natural lands.
Why Natural Burial?
Taking ownership of the process
Natural Burials are not just a different way to do burial, but a different way to do funerals. You can choose between either meeting at the cemetery and having us do all the preparation for you, or we welcome you to be a part of the preparation as it can be healing and beneficial to your grief journey.
At the burial, families are encouraged to join in filling the grave and completing the work that in many cemeteries is done with heavy machinery.
Creating a lasting and nurturing impact
Natural Burial is all about returning the deceased back to the earth from which they came, and in the least impactful way to the local environment they will be buried in.
Each grave is dug sufficiently to keep out above ground wildlife, and we prepare the body using only natural soaps, water, oils, and cotton fabrics. No embalming of the body happens, and the burial of synthetic clothing and metals is highly discouraged.
Closure that cannot be replicated
Everyone grieves differently, and modern funerals can make some feel disconnected from the proceedings. Natural Burials core concept is to bring people together for a sacred basic human experience. Whatever you want to be a part of you are allowed to. Being a part of every step of the process can help your grief journey more complete and healing.
What can I be buried in?
What should I expect at a Natural Burial?
Preparing of the Deceased
Family is welcome to come prepare the deceased for burial if they would like. It is not required for you to participate or view this process, but we offer it if you would like. This can happen at home, or at our funeral home, usually the day of the bural. Here we wash, clothe, and place the body into which ever option you choose.
Preparing of the Grave
At the cemetery, usually 1-2 days prior to the burial, the grave will be hand dug and decorated. The family is welcome to help with this as well. Once complete, 3 to 4 Wood planks will be places across the grave, and an attendent will stay posted at the grave until the deceased's arrival.
Deceased's Arrival
When the decedant, and funeral home, arrives, we will wait until all family expected to be present, is, and then help the family in carrying the deceased to the grave via a combination of pallbearers and a hand pulled hearse cart. Once at the grave, we will place the deceased on the boards over the grave, and take time to share words and rememberance.
Time of Reflection
Simply put, this is where stories, words of comfort, and rituals are shared. Whatever you would like to happen during this time, we will do our best to accomodate.
Closing and Decorating of the Grave
When ready, family will help us lower the body into the grave via straps placed under the body. Family is encouraged to place any flowers or biodegradable material they would like in the grave, and then we will all take shovels and begin filling in the grave. Whenever the family is ready, the cemetery staff will take over in filling, and you are all welcome to take your leave. If you stay till the end, you will be welcome to replace the grass layer above the grave, and decorate with flowers and natural decorations.
After the Burial
After the burial, you are welcome to the grave during the cemetery's usual open hours. Typically, the area around the grave will stay managed, mowed, and clear of debris. The surrounding areas, and possibly other graves at the cemetery, may become overtaken by the natural landscape, filled with native plants that promote biodiversity and pollinator sustainability. Each grave will eventually be marked by a natural stone, engraved with at least the name of the deceased located in that grave. If something is off, or not right about the grave area when you visit, please let the cemetery staff know as soon as possible.
Local Green/Natural Burial Cemeteries
Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary - Independant, Natural Burial Only
- 796 Locust Corner Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45245 - +1 (513) 231-6438
Spring Grove Cemetery - Natural Burial Section in Traditional Cemetery
-4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232 - +1 (513) 681-7526
You can also be buried on land you own. Most urban communities do not allow this with close nit neighboring houses, however those in rural-suburban to rural communities with large land plots may be allowed to bury on their own land.
