Green Options

If you are interested in more natural or green options of disposition, there are a couple options out there for you to choose from.  More environmentally friendly options have gained support over the years, and with newer technology, there are now more options for families interested in a more environmentally friendly method of disposition. On the more traditional side, there is green and natural burial, and on the cremation side, there is Aqua Cremation, also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis.  

Green and Natural Burial

So what exactly is Green and Natural Burial?  The Green Burial Council defines it as "a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or protection of habitat."  In other words natural and green burial is a form of burial where the body is buried in such a way as to return to the earth.  This means that either just a shroud is used with the body, or the body is placed in a biodegradable casket designed to break down quickly, with no outer burial containers used for either.  For such, cemeteries may or may not accept embalmed bodies depending on their designation for their cemetery or sections.  

There are various cemeteries that are natural or green cemeteries or have a natural burial section designated to this. Our local Fern Prairie Cemetery is one such cemetery that offers natural burials, and White Eagle Memorial Preserve in Goldendale is a cemetery designated for natural green burials.  If you would like to know more about natural and green burial, call or come in to speak to a director to learn about the different options available to you.  

Aqua Cremation

Aqua Cremation, or Alkaline Hydrolysis, is a relatively newer form of disposition that greatly reduces the carbon footprint of traditional cremation.  It is a process that uses water not fire to reduce a body to mineral bone remains.  This is the same process that occurs as part of nature's course when a body is buried in the soil.  A combination of water flow, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate this natural process.  The powdered ashes are 100% safe, and will keep in an urn or may be buried or scattered just like traditional cremated remains.  

This flameless cremation process is a gentle and respectful process that has over a 90% energy savings when compared to flame-based cremation, and has 1/10 the carbon footprint.  No emissions of harmful greenhouse gasses or mercury occur.  Please click here to see an informational brochure on Aqua Cremation, or come in and talk to a director who will go over this option in detail with you.  

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