Life's End Options

Burial & Embalming

Preparing for Burial

There are MANY traditions and options around preparing a body for burial. Our purpose here is to highlight the difference between what most funeral homes will offer, the role of embalming, and a “green” burial which likely requires a special search for those providers.

Traditional Burial

Burials

In addition to the attention to the body, the body must be placed into a casket and the grave may also have to be equipped with a liner or vault.

Embalming & Alternatives

The purpose is to slow the decomposition process.

Embalming is RARELY required by law, but is commonly required if transporting a body across state lines.

Green Burial

Green Burial Tenets:
  1. No embalming
  2. No burial vaults or grave liners.
  3. No impervious containers, such as a sealed casket.
  4. Preserves or restores natural habitat.

Whole-Body Burial Options NOT in a Cemetery

You have 2 options:
  1. In some rural areas, burial outside of a cemetery may be allowed on private property. Check local codes.

  2. At sea. This requires a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency and there is a list of rules to follow. All the info is on the EPA’s Burial At Seapage.