Natural Burial in Michigan

Picture
Natural Burial in Milan, Michigan
“Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that furthers legitimate ecological aims such as the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.” ​                  —Green Burial Council

What is Natural Burial?

Natural burial, also called green burial, involves placing the body of the deceased in the earth in the most natural and environmentally friendly way possible to facilitate its return to the elements.  It may include the use of a biodegradable casket or shroud instead of a metal casket, natural cooling methods instead of embalming, avoiding the use of a concrete vault, and natural grounds-keeping methods like planting wild flowers instead of mowing.  It can take place in a section of a conventional cemetery (hybrid), or in a cemetery that is dedicated entirely to green practices, including restoration of the land. Modern burial practices began in the late 19th century. Natural burial is similar to the way most of humanity cared for its dead before embalming and the development of other recent trends. 

Are the following issues important to you?
  • No cement vault
  • No embalming
  • Biodegradable casket or shroud
  • Environmentally-friendly landscaping and grounds-keeping
  • Native plants and grasses

Most existing conventional cemeteries are reluctant to change their ground maintenance practices, but they might designate a section in the back for “natural burial.”  It’s important to know what you are asking for.  Keep asking.  As more people express their desire, more cemeteries will offer natural burial options.

Cremation uses a great amount of energy (natural gas) and toxins are often released into the atmosphere, however, less land is used to bury cremated remains.​

Find a Natural Cemetery Near You

For a list of certified green cemeteries in the U.S., see Green Burial Cemeteries in the US and Canada, and for more information about green burial, please contact the Green Burial Council.

Hybrid cemeteries in Michigan that have a natural burial section:
Sign up for our newsletter and receive a free article,
​Compassionate Communities: A Public Health Approach to End-of-Life Care by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN