The Environmental Impact of Burial Practices and the Shift to Green Alternatives
As environmental consciousness continues to rise, many people are re-evaluating conventional burial practices as they begin to consider their impacts on the planet. In this article, we explore problems associated with traditional burials, types and benefits of green burial practices, and how traditional Hawaiian burial customs offer a unique perspective on honoring the deceased.
Problems with Traditional Burial Practices
Chemical Pollution: Traditional embalming fluids contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. This pollution poses a risk to both ecosystems and human health.
Resource Consumption: Conventional burials often use non-biodegradable materials such as metal caskets and concrete vaults. These materials require significant resources to produce and do not decompose naturally, contributing to long-term environmental degradation.
Land Use: Cemeteries occupy large areas of land, which can lead to habitat destruction and limit the availability of land for other uses.
Future Implications
Environmental Degradation: Continued use of traditional burial practices can lead to long-term soil and water contamination, affecting ecosystems and human health.
Space Constraints: As populations grow, the availability of land for cemeteries will become increasingly limited, leading to potential conflicts over land use.
Increased Costs: The rising costs of traditional burial materials and land can make conventional burials less affordable.
Embracing Green Burial Practices
Green burial practices aim to minimize environmental impact and conserve natural resources. Here are some key aspects of green burials:
Biodegradable Materials: Bodies are buried in biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or urns made from materials like bamboo, wicker, or untreated wood. These materials decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the earth.
No Embalming: Traditional embalming fluids, which contain harmful chemicals, are avoided. Instead, bodies may be preserved using non-toxic alternatives, such as plant-based oils.
Natural Burial Grounds: Green burials often take place in designated natural burial grounds or conservation cemeteries, where the land is preserved and maintained in its natural state. These areas provide a habitat for local wildlife and support biodiversity.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Green burials avoid the use of concrete vaults or grave liners, allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth. This process enriches the soil and promotes healthy ecosystems.
Grave Markers: Instead of traditional headstones, graves may be marked with natural elements like trees, plants, or simple stones. These markers blend into the natural landscape and serve as living memorials to the deceased.
Green Alternatives to Traditional Burial Practices
Additionally, more people are seeking sustainable ways to handle bodies after death that aren't specifically burial. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives:
Cremation with Carbon Offsetting: While traditional cremation has a carbon footprint, some companies now offer carbon offsetting services. This involves investing in environmental projects that reduce or capture carbon dioxide emissions to balance out the impact of the cremation process.
Aquamation (Water Cremation): Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, uses a water-based solution to break down the body. This method uses less energy and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional cremation. It also results in a smaller carbon footprint and does not release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Recomposition (Human Composting): Recomposition involves turning the body into nutrient-rich soil through a process of natural decomposition. The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over several weeks, microbial activity breaks down the body, resulting in soil that can be used to nourish plants and trees.
Promession: This process involves freeze-drying the body using liquid nitrogen, which makes it brittle. The body is then shattered into a fine powder, which can be buried in a biodegradable container. This method allows for rapid decomposition and minimal environmental impact.
Natural Burial at Sea: For those who wish to return to the ocean, natural burial at sea involves placing the body in a biodegradable shroud or container and allowing it to decompose naturally in the marine environment. This practice must comply with specific regulations to ensure it doesn't harm marine ecosystems.
Traditional Hawaiian Death Practices: In Harmony with the Environment
Traditional Hawaiian death practices are deeply rooted in the culture's spiritual beliefs and profound respect for the land. These practices reflect an intimate connection with nature and showcase sustainable ways to honor the deceased. Here are some key aspects:
Iwi (Bones): Hawaiians believe that a person's spiritual essence, or mana, resides in their bones. The bones are considered sacred and are often buried in secret locations to protect them from desecration. This practice ensures minimal environmental disturbance while honoring the deceased's spiritual presence.
Salt Water Cleansing: The body is washed with salt water, which acts as a natural preservative. This practice allows the body to be kept in the home for two to three days, providing time for family and friends to pay their respects. The use of salt water, a natural resource, reflects the Hawaiian connection to the sea and avoids harmful chemicals used in modern embalming.
Special Dress: The body is often dressed in a special garment made from strips of tree bark, symbolizing the connection between the deceased and the natural world. This eco-friendly practice utilizes biodegradable materials that return to the earth, minimizing environmental impact.
Celebratory Feasts: Traditional Hawaiian funerals are more about celebrating the life of the deceased rather than mourning. Family and friends gather for a feast to honor the departed, sharing stories and memories. These gatherings often include locally sourced food, reflecting a sustainable approach to community and cultural preservation.
These traditional Hawaiian practices exemplify a deep connection with the land and a commitment to environmental stewardship. By honoring their ancestors in ways that respect nature, Hawaiians ensure that the deceased are remembered and celebrated while preserving the natural world for future generations.
Conclusion
As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our actions, it is essential to consider how our end-of-life choices affect the planet. By embracing green burial practices and learning from traditional Hawaiian customs, we can honor our loved ones in a way that respects both their memory and the environment. Green burials offer a sustainable alternative that aligns with our growing commitment to protecting the earth for future generations.
