Green Burial Definitions

Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis, resomation, wet cremation, or bio cremation) uses 350° water temperatures, pressure, and a 5% potassium hydroxide alkali solution (lye) for 2-3 hours to essentially liquify soft tissue, leaving bones for pulverization similar to flame cremation, and burning an estimated 80% less energy. Its developers claim that it emits zero greenhouse gases, and that the mercury from amalgam fillings is captured and recycled.

Biodegradable - items that can break down into natural materials in the environment without causing harm and are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Green Burial - a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat. Green burial necessitates the use of non-toxic and biodegradable materials, such as caskets, shrouds, and urns.

Shroud - fabric cloth or sheet that is wrapped around the deceased for burial; often shrouds have a built-in rigid board for carrying, or are carried on a shrouding board.

Terramation (natural organic reduction or human composting) relies on natural processes that assist the body in decomposing aerobically and efficiently. The above-ground process requires state approval.

Conservation Burial Grounds - a type of natural cemetery that is established in partnership with a conservation organization and includes a conservation management plan that upholds best practices and provides perpetual protection of the land according to a conservation easement or deed restriction.

Hybrid Cemeteries - a conventional cemetery that offers the essential aspects of natural burial, either throughout the cemetery or in a designated section. GBC-certified hybrids do not require vaults and must allow for any kind of eco-friendly, biodegradable burial containers, such as shrouds and soft wood caskets.

Natural Burial Grounds - a cemetery dedicated in full to sustainable practices/protocols that conserve energy, minimize waste, and do not allow the use of: toxic chemicals, any part of a vault (lid, slab, or partitioned liner), markers made of non-native stone, and burial containers not made from natural/plant derived materials.

Green-washing - The act of deceptively marketing goods or services by hiding dubious aspects of their environmental profile. In the case of green burial, the full picture of environmentally sound practices is important. Using a casket of organic materials but made by using fossil fuels and child labor and transported 3000 miles to its destination is not considered “green” (environmentally sound).

 Green Burial Resources

Flagstaff

Prescott (Quad Cities)

Sedona

  • Sedona Community Cemetery | Allows green burial (must arrange through funeral home | (928) 963-1411

Verde Valley

Additional