Final Arrangements

A traditional burial, also known as a conventional burial, is the most common type of funeral practice in many Western countries, particularly in the United States. It typically involves several steps and components:   Traditional burials include: 

• Embalming: The body is preserved using chemical fluids to slow decomposition and improve appearance for viewing.
• Preparation: The body is washed, dressed, and prepared for viewing, often with makeup applied.
• Viewing or wake: A period where family and friends can view the body and pay their respects.
• Funeral service: A ceremony held at a funeral home, church, or other location to honor the deceased.
• Casket: The body is placed in a casket, typically made of wood or metal.
• Burial vault: A concrete or metal container that houses the casket in the grave to prevent the ground from sinking.
• Cemetery plot: A designated space in a cemetery for the burial.
• Grave digging and filling: The grave is dug, the casket is lowered, and the grave is filled.
• Headstone or marker: A stone or plaque is placed at the gravesite to identify the deceased.
• Perpetual care: Many cemeteries offer ongoing maintenance of the gravesite.

Green Burial

A green burial, also known as a natural burial or eco-friendly burial, is an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional funeral practices. The main goal of a green burial is to minimize the environmental impact of human burial while allowing the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.  

Key aspects of a green burial include: 

• No embalming: The body is not preserved with chemical embalming fluids, which can be harmful to the environment.
• Biodegradable casket or shroud: Instead of traditional wood or metal caskets, the body is buried in a biodegradable container made from materials like bamboo, wicker, or cardboard, or wrapped in a natural fiber shroud.
• No vault: The body is buried directly in the ground without a concrete vault or liner.
• Shallow grave: The body is typically buried at a shallower depth than traditional burials to promote faster decomposition.
• Natural or restored habitat: Green burial grounds often double as nature preserves, with native plants and wildlife encouraged to thrive.
• No traditional headstones: Graves are often marked with native plants, trees, or small flat stones rather than traditional headstones.
• Conservation: Many green burial sites are part of land conservation efforts, helping to protect natural areas.
• Minimal landscaping: The burial grounds are maintained with minimal interference, allowing nature to take its course.
• Green burials aim to reduce the carbon footprint associated with death care, conserve natural resources, and protect worker health in the funeral industry. They also often cost less than traditional funerals and burials.

It's worth noting that the specific practices and regulations for green burials can vary depending on local laws and the particular green burial site. Some locations offer fully natural burials, while others may have hybrid options that incorporate some green burial practices into more traditional cemetery settings. 

Cremation (traditional) – Cremation is a method of final disposition of a deceased person's body that involves reducing the body to bone fragments through intense heat. Cremation can occur immediately after death or after a funeral service with the body present. Some crematoriums allow family members to witness the beginning of the cremation process. Cremation is generally considered more eco-friendly than traditional burial, but still has some environmental impact due to energy use and emissions.

Some religions prohibit cremation, while others accept or even prefer it. Cremation allows for a wide range of memorial options and can be combined with various types of services or ceremonies. Legal requirements vary by location but often include obtaining a death certificate and cremation authorization from next of kin.

Cremation has become increasingly popular in many countries due to its lower cost, perceived environmental benefits, and the flexibility it offers for memorialization. However, the choice between cremation and other forms of disposition is often a personal one, influenced by cultural, religious, and individual preferences.

Here are the key aspects of cremation:

• The body is placed in a cremation chamber, also known as a retort.
• The chamber is heated to extremely high temperatures (usually between 1400-1800°F or 760-980°C).
• The process typically takes 2-3 hours.
• What remains are bone fragments, which are then processed into a fine, sand-like consistency.
• The cremated remains (often called "ashes") are returned to the family in an urn or other container.

Options for the cremated remains include:

• Kept by family members;
• Buried in a cemetery plot;
• Placed in a columbarium niche;
• Scattered in a meaningful location (subject to local laws);
• Used in memorial items like jewelry or artwork.