Read why others have chosen SouthCare for their funeral and cremation needs.
Click here to download our Green Burial Brochure
SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society is the first funeral home in Georgia to be approved by the Green Burial Council.
Green burials – also known as natural burials – are increasingly popular. There are several reasons why people choose natural burials as an alternative to traditional burials. Here are 5 common reasons why people opt for green burials:
One of the primary reasons people choose green burials is their commitment to environmental sustainability. Green burials minimize the use of natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve natural habitats. By opting for biodegradable materials and avoiding embalming or using non-toxic embalming alternatives (ecobalming), individuals can ensure a more environmentally friendly end-of-life process.
Green burials often take place in natural settings, such as conservation areas or forests. These serene environments provide a closer connection to nature, allowing loved ones to remember and honor the deceased in a peaceful and beautiful setting. It offers a sense of harmony with the natural world, which can be comforting for both the deceased and their families.
Traditional burials can be costly due to expenses associated with embalming, elaborate caskets, and concrete burial vaults. In contrast, green burials tend to be more affordable as they involve simpler, biodegradable caskets or shrouds, eliminating the need for expensive materials. This cost-effectiveness can be appealing to individuals and families seeking a more budget-friendly option.
Many individuals who choose green burials are guided by personal beliefs and values related to nature, conservation, and a simpler way of life. They may view green burials as a way to live in harmony with the Earth and minimize their ecological footprint, even after death. Green burials align with their ethical, spiritual, or religious perspectives on the natural cycle of life and death.
Green burials often take place in conservation cemeteries or natural burial grounds that are designed to be perpetual conservation areas. By choosing a green burial, individuals can leave a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship, supporting the preservation of natural habitats, promoting biodiversity, and creating spaces for future generations to connect with nature.
It's important to note that these reasons are not exhaustive, and individuals may have their own unique motivations for choosing green burials. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one that reflects an individual's values, beliefs, and desire to leave a positive impact on the environment. SouthCare works with green burial cemeteries across the state of Georgia. Funeral rites can include public viewing with ecobalming, a private family viewing, a ceremony, or a graveside service. For those who elect a dignified burial while maintaining important environmental standards, allow us to assist you in planning a memorable service.
A study done by Mary Woodsen of Cornell University and Greensprings Natural preserve in Newfield, New York found that Burials in the United States use approximately:
- 4.3 million gallons embalming fluid
- 20 million board feet of hardwoods, including rainforest woods
- 1.6 million tons of concrete
- 17,000 tons of copper and bronze
- 64,500 tons of steel
- Caskets and vaults leaching iron, copper, lead, zinc and cobalt
Green burials are increasingly popular. The following surveys show respondents interest in Green Burial:
AARP 2007 – 42%
Kates-Boylston 2008 – 43%
US Catholic Magazine 2011 – 80%
FAMIC Harris Poll 2015 – 64%
GBC Survey 2015 – 45%
Medium article exit poll 2016 – 79%
NFDA Consumer Preference Survey 2017 – 53.8%
Kates-Boylston 2021 – 84%
NFDA Survey 2022 – 60.5%
Click here to download our Green Burial Brochure
**Statistics and other information provided by the Green Burial Council.
