The goal of a natural burial is to return the body to the earth in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition and allows the body to recycle naturally. It intended as an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices that may pose future hazards to public health and run counter to modern resource-conservation activities.
More people are now choosing to select a Green Funeral for their loved one, or themselves, in advance. The reason for this differs from person to person. One person may decide upon it in order to minimise their impact on the earth, while another may simply like where their chosen green burial ground is situated.
The reason for choosing a green burial will have an effect on the exact funeral arrangements but can generally follow the format of a traditional with the final committal taking place at the green burial ground rather that the cemetery or crematorium.
Apart from the choice of burial location, the choice of coffin or casket is often the most important choice for people. There are a wide range of ecologically friendly coffins available which include cardboard, wicker, bamboo and banana leaf, as well as solid and veneered coffins which are produced with wood from a certified sustainable source. All coffin fittings, linings and clothing for the deceased should be biodegradable when burial has been chosen.