Natural Burials

Natural burials (sometimes known as green or eco-burials) are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials. Simply, it means allowing conditions for speedy decomposition, and regeneration of a natural forest above the graves.

There are specific burial sites and funeral directors in New Zealand that offer natural burials. What makes these sites different to more traditional cemeteries is that nothing can be introduced which would interfere with, or pollute, environmental processes.

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What happens in a natural burial?

The body is dressed in natural fibres and buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and placed in a shallow grave. The depth of the grave means the body lies within the active soil layer which helps to speed up the decomposition process. After the burial, a native tree is planted over the plot, creating a natural living memorial to those buried there.

Natural burials require far fewer resources for the care of the body and skip a number of the traditional steps, making them better for the environment, and more cost efficient.

Other green burial options

A natural burial might not be the right choice for you, but there are many different choices that you can make at each stage of the after-death care process to limit waste, reduce carbon emissions and even nourish the local ecosystem. Things you could think about include:

• Substituting toxic burial containers for coffins made with untreated wood and organic liners, or even a shroud made from organic biodegradable cotton
• Not embalming the body as embalming fluid is made from formaldehyde and will seep into the ground and pollute the soil
• Requesting refrigeration if you are using a funeral home, or if you are caring for the body at home, you can use ice and fans to keep the body cool
• Mourners can plant a tree or bush, as a suitable alternative to flowers.