Considerations and Facts about Eco-Friendly Burial and Funerals

Whether you have planned a funeral or cremation services in Knoxville, TN, the individual may have wanted to have an eco-friendly burial. This is a specific kind of alternative to traditional methods, and it might be confusing where to get started, so we have created this helpful guide to give you more insight into what it means and what they require.

What is an Eco-Friendly Burial?

The eco-friendly burial is one where there is no embalming fluid required, so the body will not be preserved other than through a refrigeration unit. There's also either no casket or a biodegradable one would be chosen. In addition, there is also no grave liner or cement vault that would go into the ground with the coffin.

In most cases, the burial will happen very quickly after the person passes away, and there are specific properties where their body would be laid to rest. Eco-friendly burials are generally chosen for:

 - Individuals who are concerned about the environment

 - People who love nature

 - Different faiths will also support eco-friendly burials

 - People or families who are looking for a more affordable option

What are the Options? 

There are four main types of eco-friendly burial options available, and they include: 

Natural

Natural burial will not include chemical embalming, and if there is some form of this task completed, it will be done with non-toxic options. A biodegradable material like wicker, cardboard, or clay will be chosen for the body to be placed in. These work well for at-home burials, but there are options for placing the individual in a specific nature preserve or wooded area. 

Body Donation 

Another alternative is to have the body donated to science. In this case, the individual remains will be used for research by forensic scientists to help them enhance and learn more about solving crimes. 

Resomation 

This option uses water, alkaline, and high pressure to break the body into basic components. The deceased is placed in a pressurized tank heated up, and the remnants are broken down in as little as four to six hours. The remaining fluids can be turned into fertilizer for growing crops or returned to the family, depending on the situation. After your loved one has passed away and it is time to plan the cremation.

Sea Burial 

This form of burial is not uncommon; it has been used as far back as the Vikings. There are some regulations with the EPA in that the remains need to be at least three nautical miles from the shore, and you cannot include any items that do not decompose. There are also some regulations in specific states, so be sure to check with local agencies prior to scheduling this. 

We Offer Compassionate Support and Honesty  

An eco-friendly burial can be the right choice for some individuals, but if you're looking for traditional cremation services in Knoxville, TN, we are experts you can trust. We are a locally owned company that has been focusing on providing the highest level of exceptional services and compassionate care for our community since 1994, so contact us today if you have any questions.