Green Burials and Terramation: Eco-Friendly Options for End-of-Life Choices
As environmental consciousness continues to shape our everyday decisions, more families are exploring sustainable alternatives for honoring their loved ones. At Farrington Mortuary, we understand that your final arrangements can reflect the same values you held throughout life. Green burials and terramation represent two increasingly popular eco-friendly options that allow individuals to leave a positive legacy for our planet.
Understanding Green Burials: Returning to Nature
Green burial is a thoughtful approach that allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth with minimal environmental impact. Unlike conventional burial practices that often involve embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, green burials embrace simplicity and sustainability.
The core principle of green burial is straightforward: to allow natural decomposition while protecting surrounding land and water resources. Bodies are not embalmed with formaldehyde-based fluids, which prevents these chemicals from leaching into soil and groundwater. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable container—such as a shroud, wicker basket, or untreated wooden casket—and buried directly in the soil, where it can naturally return to the earth.
Green burial sites are typically managed as conservation areas, creating protected natural spaces that foster native vegetation and wildlife habitat. These serene landscapes often feature indigenous plants rather than manicured lawns, allowing families to find comfort in the beauty of natural surroundings while preserving ecosystems for future generations.
Key Elements of Green Burial
Biodegradable Containers
The materials used in green burials decompose naturally alongside the body. Options include:
Natural Fiber Shrouds: Simple cotton, linen, or wool wrappings
Woven Caskets: Made from bamboo, willow, seagrass, or other sustainable plant materials
Untreated Wood Coffins: Constructed from locally sourced timber without synthetic finishes
Chemical-Free Preservation
Rather than chemical embalming, green burials utilize natural methods of temporary preservation when needed:
Refrigeration
Dry ice
Essential oils with natural preservation properties
Expedited burial timelines
Conservation Burial Grounds
Green cemeteries prioritize land conservation alongside burial practices. Many are established as permanent nature preserves with legal protections that prevent future development, creating lasting ecological sanctuaries.
Terramation: Human Composting for Ecological Renewal
Terramation—also known as natural organic reduction or human composting—represents an innovative advancement in eco-friendly death care. Legalized in several states including California, terramation transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil that can nourish new life.
The process involves placing the body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. Over approximately 30-45 days, natural microbes facilitate decomposition, converting human remains into soil. This method uses significantly less energy than cremation and avoids the environmental impacts associated with traditional burial.
The resulting soil—about one cubic yard—can be returned to the family, who may use it to plant memorial gardens, nourish trees, or contribute to ecological restoration projects. This meaningful transformation offers a powerful metaphor: the person's physical form directly contributes to ongoing cycles of growth and renewal.
Comparing Green Burials and Terramation
Both green burials and terramation offer significant environmental benefits compared to conventional practices, but they differ in several key aspects:
Land Use
Green Burial: Requires cemetery land but helps preserve natural spaces
Terramation: Creates soil that can support multiple environmental uses without requiring permanent land dedication
Process Timeline
Green Burial: Can be performed within days of death
Terramation: Takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete the transformation
End Result
Green Burial: Body naturally decomposes in its burial location
Terramation: Produces soil that families can use in meaningful ways
Availability
Green Burial: Available in designated green cemeteries with varying practices
Terramation: Available in states where legally permitted, often through specialized providers
Planning for Eco-Friendly End-of-Life Options
At Farrington Mortuary, we partner with families who wish to arrange green burials or terramation services. Our team can guide you through the available options and help create a meaningful farewell that honors both your loved one and the environment.
For green burial planning:
We can help identify appropriate green burial grounds in Southern California
We offer a selection of biodegradable caskets and shrouds
We can coordinate natural preservation methods and transportation
We assist with any desired memorial services in natural settings
For terramation services:
We work with trusted terramation providers to arrange the process
We coordinate transportation and documentation
We help families plan for meaningful uses of the resulting soil
We can arrange memorial gatherings before or after the terramation process
Environmental Impact: Making a Difference
The environmental benefits of green burials and terramation are significant:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Traditional cremation releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, while conventional burials can involve extensive resource use. Green options significantly reduce these impacts.
Conservation of Resources: Green methods avoid the use of hardwoods, metals, concrete, and chemicals used in conventional practices.
Habitat Protection: Green burial grounds often double as nature preserves, protecting ecosystems and creating wildlife corridors.
Water Preservation: By avoiding embalming chemicals, these practices help protect groundwater quality.
Soil Enhancement: Both methods ultimately contribute to soil health and ecosystem function.
Finding Meaning in Natural Choices
Beyond environmental benefits, many families find profound meaning in these natural approaches. There's something deeply comforting about the simplicity and honesty of returning to the earth in a way that nurtures new life. These options can provide:
Alignment with personal values and beliefs
Connection to natural cycles and rhythms
A sense of ongoing contribution to life
Meaningful legacy for future generations
Comfort in knowing one's final act benefits the planet
How Farrington Mortuary Can Help
Our team at Farrington Mortuary is committed to providing respectful, personalized guidance for families interested in green burials or terramation. As a contemporary funeral home dedicated to offering diverse options, we're prepared to help you navigate these eco-friendly choices with care and expertise.
Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one who has passed, we'll work closely with you to create a meaningful tribute that honors both the individual and the environment they cherished.
To learn more about our green burial and terramation services, or to begin making arrangements, contact us at (800) 674-3659. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need during this important time."