Green Burial – Death Nourishing Life

Burying our dead is possibly the most earthly expression of our grief. An open graves confronts mourners with a stark reminder of the reality of loss. In our death denying culture, this is a rare sight, but with green burial there is often a comforting sense that we are honouring our loved one’s earthly shell in an impactful way.

Why choose green burial?

Green burial is a philosophy – a return to the earth, naturally. This differs from traditional burial because nothing is put into the earth except what will turn right back to earth. No concrete, varnished hardwood or metal casket, hardware, plastics or embalming fluid. It is a commitment to reforestation because green cemeteries become designated forested land, guaranteed to be preserved perpetually.

The Woodlands green burial section at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich on Vancouver Island feels more like a lush green walking trail than a place where hundreds of humans nourish the soil. There are no individuals markers but rather large basalt boulders bearing the names of the dead. It’s a way of adding back to the land, while also providing a beautiful place for family to return to visit. 

Many large cemeteries in North America were established when land was plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Today we have limited land which is being developed at alarming rates everywhere. Green burial is a way of leaving the earth with more forest. Green burial cemeteries are alive and vibrant. A tangible example of life coming from death. The ultimate recycling.

“Do whatever you want, I don’t care”. I’m pretty sure my Dad said this, or maybe “Throw me on the compost heap”. Sometimes people think not providing direction gives more choices to their surviving loved ones. It does, but with a hundred other choices to be made after a death occurs, some guidance around preferences, though perhaps uncomfortable, is really an act of love.

Advanced Care Planning for Burial Wishes

Advanced Care Planning does not need to start by writing a Will and Advanced Directive. While I strongly encourage everyone have these important documents, simply talking about end of life wishes is an invaluable first step. The foundation of what I do is create space for comfortable, supported end of life conversations. I’m passionate about providing transparent information surrounding all end of life choices.

When someone dies we are left with a loss. With green burial you’re gaining something too. Your person is nourishing new life, in a beautiful sacred place that will remain for future generations to return to.