Green burial is burial that takes place without the use of formaldehyde-based embalming, metal caskets, and concrete burial vaults. It can take place in a section of a conventional cemetery (hybrid), or in a cemetery that is dedicated entirely to green practices, including restoration of the land and not mowing or fertilizing. Modern burial practices began in the late 19th century. Green burial is similar to the way most of humanity cared for its dead before embalming and the development of other recent trends. Currently a dozen cemeteries in the U.S. make the green burial option available, and more are being developed. Green burial can facilitate ecological restoration, is environmentally friendly, and is thought of as good stewardship of the earth.
If you would like to be involved in helping to establish a Green Cemetery, or "Conservation Burial Ground," in Michigan, or if you would like to be informed of progress in that direction, please contact me. Currently, there are only two locations available in Michigan for burial without the use of a cement vault and they are in hybrid cemeteries.
For a list of certified green cemeteries in the U.S., or for more information about green burial, please contact the Green Burial Council.