Planning a green burial involves the same core steps as any funeral arrangement, with a few additional considerations specific to natural burial. This guide walks through everything in the order you'll likely encounter it.
Step 1: Decide What "Green" Means to You
The term covers a spectrum. At minimum, it means no embalming and no concrete vault. At the far end, it means a conservation burial ground where your burial fee funds permanent land protection.
The distinction matters because not every green burial site offers every level. Knowing what's important to you — the materials, the setting, the ecological impact — helps you narrow down your options quickly.
Step 2: Find a Site That Meets Your Criteria
Start with the directory on this site. Filter by province and check the tags for each listing — "Shroud Accepted," "Forest Setting," "Conservation Burial," and so on.
Then call or visit. Photos don't tell you how a site feels, whether the staff are helpful, or what the paperwork process actually looks like. A site visit before you need it is always worthwhile.
Step 3: Understand the Cemetery's Specific Rules
Even committed green burial grounds have different policies. Common things to clarify:
- What containers are permitted? Some accept shrouds only; others accept woven baskets or plain wood caskets.
- Are at-need burials available, or is advance arrangement required?
- What are the marker restrictions? Flat fieldstones only? GPS coordinates? Planted trees?
- Can family members participate in the burial — lowering the body, filling the grave?
- What is the perpetual care arrangement?
Step 4: Choose a Funeral Home That Supports Green Burial
Not all funeral homes are familiar with green burial, and some will push unnecessary services. Look for a home that explicitly supports natural burial and won't try to upsell embalming as a default.
You are not legally required to use a funeral home in most Canadian provinces — home funerals are legal everywhere in Canada. However, most families do use a funeral home for at least some services, particularly transport and registration.
Step 5: Handle the Legal Requirements
Every burial in Canada requires a burial permit, which is issued by the provincial or territorial government after a death is registered. The funeral home typically handles this, but if you're managing a death independently, you'll need to apply directly through your provincial vital statistics office.
Step 6: Plan the Container and Preparation
A green burial does not require embalming. The body can be kept cool with refrigeration or dry ice until burial — typically within 72 hours in summer, somewhat longer in cooler months.
If the family wants time to gather before burial, discuss refrigeration options with the funeral home or burial ground. Some sites have refrigeration on-site.
Step 7: Plan the Ceremony
Green burial lends itself beautifully to intimate, personal ceremonies. Many families choose a graveside service where those present participate directly — carrying the body, placing flowers, filling the grave themselves. There are no rules here beyond what feels right.
Step 8: Document Your Wishes
Write your wishes down and share them with your family, your executor, and your funeral home. Include the name of the cemetery, your plot information, your preference for shroud or container, and any notes about the ceremony.
Preplanning Ahead of Time
If you're planning for yourself rather than arranging an imminent burial, the most useful step is to visit the sites you're considering and speak with a funeral planner about preneed arrangements. Many natural burial sections have limited capacity, and pre-purchasing a plot guarantees your place while giving your family certainty.
Find a green burial site in your region.
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