The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Eastern Massachusetts is seeking a partnership to establish a green cemetery in Massachusetts.

What is a green cemetery?

A green cemetery is a natural burial ground that conserves land while providing an alternative to standard burial. It is a cemetery that encourages sustainable and ethical practices by banning the use of toxins and non-biodegradable materials. Green burial is interment without embalming, metal or hardwood caskets, casket vaults or cement liners, and often without permanent markers (although in some cemeteries, natural stone markers are permitted). An un-embalmed body may be wrapped in a shroud and placed in the ground or buried in a biodegradable casket. Typically, family and friends of the deceased have the opportunity to be more directly involved in the burial.

Where are the green cemeteries?

The modern day natural burial movement began in Britain with the Natural Death Centre in 1991 and lists 200 burial sites throughout the United Kingdom. Ramsey Creek in South Carolina was established in 1998 as the first commercial green cemetery in the United States. Since then, a growing number of green cemeteries have opened, including Greensprings in Ithaca, NY and Rainbow's End in Orrington, Maine.

Why don’t we have a green cemetery in Massachusetts?

Good question. Massachusetts, with its rich network of progressive organizations committed to conservation, sustainability and sound environmental practices is poised to be the next state to join this national movement.

If you are interested in getting involved in this issue or want more information contact Judith Lorei, FCAEM board member, at jlorei@earthlink.net or leave a message on the FCAEM phone line 617-859-7990.

Where can I find more information about green burial?

Click here for more information and a list of additional green burial resources (PDF).

[last updated 2008-06-16]