Choosing how to lay a loved one to rest is a deeply personal decision. It’s an opportunity to honour not just the individual, but also the values that shaped their life. For many, traditional funeral practices don’t align with their beliefs or the way they want to be remembered. If you value sustainability, simplicity, and a connection to nature, natural burials offer a meaningful alternative that resonates with personal principles. Let’s explore how natural burials can reflect your core values, and why they might be the right choice for you or your loved ones.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Environment
If sustainability is important to you in your day-to-day life, it makes sense that you’d want your final resting place to reflect that value. Traditional funerals often involve non-biodegradable caskets, embalming fluids, and other chemicals that can negatively impact the environment. Natural burials, however, focus on using biodegradable materials, such as wooden or wicker caskets, and avoid harmful chemicals altogether. In fact, many natural burial grounds are designed with conservation in mind and are environmentally friendly, with some land even being designated as nature reserves. By choosing a natural burial, you’re helping to reduce your environmental footprint and leaving a positive impact on the earth, ensuring that your legacy aligns with the values you hold dear.
A Connection to Nature
For many, feeling connected to nature is a vital part of life. A natural burial is a peaceful and meaningful way to honour that connection. These burial sites are often located in serene, natural settings—woodlands, meadows, or protected areas—creating a tranquil resting place for both the deceased and their loved ones. The idea of returning to nature is deeply comforting for those who cherish the environment, offering a sense of continuity as you contribute to the health and growth of the surrounding ecosystem. Whether it’s through planting a tree or choosing a burial site surrounded by natural beauty, a natural burial allows you to become a part of the earth’s life cycle in a way that traditional cemeteries simply can’t.
A Focus on Simplicity and Mindfulness
Many people find themselves drawn to the simplicity of a natural burial, which can align with a desire for a less complicated, more mindful life. The process focuses on returning to the basics—using simple, biodegradable caskets or shrouds and avoiding unnecessary materials like metal or concrete. There’s also a lack of embalming fluids and other chemicals, making the process more natural and environmentally friendly. This simplicity is not only in tune with the minimalist values that many people hold today but also offers a calm, reflective approach to death that can be comforting for both the deceased and their loved ones. A natural burial can bring a sense of peace, offering an opportunity to honour the person’s life without the need for extravagant or wasteful ceremonies.
Financial Simplicity and Transparency
One of the appealing aspects of natural burials is their financial simplicity. Traditional funerals can be expensive, with costs mounting for caskets, embalming, and plot fees. Natural burials, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable. They do not involve the high costs of elaborate caskets or chemical treatments, and many natural burial grounds offer flexible pricing that makes it a more financially accessible option. For those who want to avoid the financial burden of traditional funeral services or simply want to focus on a more affordable, dignified end-of-life plan, natural burials offer a way to keep things simple and straightforward. The transparency of pricing is another benefit, as there are often fewer hidden costs involved, allowing families to make clear decisions about their options.
Being Selective with a Natural Burial Provider
You can feel your anxiety ease when you finally decide you want a natural burial. But, the next thing on the list is to find a provider. You need to make sure that you choose a company that’s going to support you, offer cost-effective prices and bring your ideas to fruition. Indeed, you need to be selective from the beginning so you feel at peace with your final decision. Here are some elements you want to pay attention to.
The Location
Of course, everybody wants to choose a natural burial somewhere they find beautiful. One of the most important elements you need to consider is where your final resting place is going to be. You want to ensure that this is a landscape you love and that will bring you peace. You should also think about your family, and somewhere they might wish to visit. So, have an image in your head and try to find a provider that will make this a reality.
The Prices
Know that some natural burial providers are more reasonable than others when it comes to the price. Indeed, you’re going to have a budget and you might want to ensure your family has nothing to pay. So, you should pay attention to the prices from the beginning and make sure that you get value for money. Know everything that’s included, including the years of ownership of the plot.
The Team
You want to feel supported throughout the process of planning a natural burial. Therefore, it makes sense to evaluate the team from the beginning. Arrange a call and see how responsive and helpful they are towards you. You want to make sure they put your mind at ease and give you advice.
Conclusion
Natural burials offer a deeply personal and meaningful way to align your final wishes with your values. Whether you’re motivated by a commitment to sustainability, a desire to reconnect with nature, or the need for simplicity, a natural burial provides an eco-friendly and thoughtful alternative to traditional funerals. It’s an opportunity to honour the environment, create a lasting legacy, and provide a personal, meaningful farewell that reflects your values. By choosing a natural burial, you can ensure that your final resting place is one that aligns with the life you lived and the values you hold dear.
