Natural Burials

There exist many different options if one decides to opt for a "green burial."

The environmental impact of each burial type varies, as well as the cost, varies depending on the method of burial. 

*These choices of burials have been influenced by Mark Harris's book Grave Matters.

1) The "Plain Pine Box." 

According to Harris, using, for example, “a plain pine box,” in which the deceased is simply placed in the coffin, reduces the interference of any costly embalming, as well as reducing the amount of toxic chemicals and un-degradable materials. In this case the burial expense amounts only to the cost of the coffin and the paperwork, this natural coffin usually in the $400 to $900 range, and the paperwork amounting to around $100. 

2) The Backyard Burial.

A “backyard burial” is also environmentally friendly and much less costly, and though it can only be done in certain states, eliminates the use of a vault as well as the usage of embalmment. In this case, price is determined by how the body is buried, though the lowest price range would be simple $100 for the paperwork.

3) The Natural Cemetery.

This type of burial, according to Harris, requires the deceased individual to be buried in bio-degradable coffin, excluding vaults as well, and asks that the individual is not embalmed either. The burial site itself is usually in a remediation land plot, in which the soil of that environment is in fact lacking nutrients, and would benefit from the introduction of a decomposing body. This method is also relatively cheaper compared to the traditional embalming, as it averages around $1000, though this price could reduce depending on the natural cemetery site.

These methods of burial are all possible in North Carolina as well!