Natural Burial
Green Burial Options
This firm makes available several "green" burial options, and is one of a select group of funeral providers certified by the Green Burial Council, a nonprofit organization that encourages the use of burial as a means of facilitating the restoration, acquisition, and stewardship of natural areas throughout the United States. For such arrangements, formaldehyde-based embalming is prohibited, as is the use of metal or concrete grave-liners, burial-vaults, or other permanent burial containers. Caskets, coffins or alternative containers used to enclose and transport the deceased are made of biodegradable materials and are available in a range of prices. Home wakes, public visitations, church funerals and graveside services are options that may be arranged within the limited time frame green burial allows. As with all of our service and merchandise offerings, detailed price information for each component is itemized on our General Price List and Casket Price List. Please contact us if you would like additional information.
Green Burial Packages
Our packages provides everything necessary for graveside burial within a green or conventional cemetery and in certain instances at homestead burial sites. Bundled services include storage, transportation, supervision of the burial, and the filing of all necessary documentation, permits and certificates. A burial container, which can be either a shroud or biodegradable casket, is available at an additional cost, or as part of another package. Although formaldehyde-based embalming is prohibited, a funeral with a viewing can be arranged for an additional charge.*
What is "Green Burial"?
A modern natural (green) burial is an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices where the body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and be recycled into new life.
Why have a "Green Burial"?
A growing number of people choose green burial for ecological reasons, they want simple services, in the old, traditional way. Green Burial signifies a final statement as a reflection of those same values and traditions.
How is it different from a conventional funeral service?
The body is prepared for burial without chemical preservatives and is buried in a biodegradable material. Burial is done in a "green cemetery" without a metal casket or concrete vault usually on a natural landscape. There are some conventional cemeteries that offer natural burial as well.
How does the price of "Green Burial" compare with conventional burials?
The cost of green burial depends on the type of service and products a family chooses.
Is a vault needed for Green Burial?
No, green cemeteries do not require a burial vault.
How are the graves marked?
Natural markers such as shrubs, trees, engraved flat stones, and often by using modern survey techniques such as GIS (geographic information system). An approval from the cemetery is usually required when using these forms of markers.
How much time lapse for green burial from time of death to burial?
The usual time from death to burial is 48-72 hours.
Can families watch at the grave while the body is covered with dirt?
Yes, most times the family is invited to participate in the completion of the burial process.
Can any cemetery have green burials?
All cemeteries have rules and regulations, presently, most cemeteries require vaults.
Can cremains be placed, or buried, in a green cemetery?
Yes, as long as the urn is a natural, bio-degradable, eco-friendly receptacle.
For more information, please visit http://greenburialcouncil.org
*This establishment does make available the viewing of an unembalmed body within a specific time frame allowed by green burial. Hippensteel Funeral Service & Crematory reserves the right under certain circumstances to not allow a public visitation of an unembalmed body.