Courtesy of i.treehugger.com

If you are truly eco-conscious and want to make the ultimate statement, you can die green by choosing to have a green funeral. Most of us don’t take into consideration that burials contaminate the ground with toxic chemicals, concrete, and metals. Cremation is not eco-friendly either with approximately 27 litres natural gas required to cremate a 150-pound body. In Ontario we have eco-friendly burial options. Smith’s Funeral Homes in Burlington, Ontario is the first Canadian funeral business to be certified by the Green Burial Council. They are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint by:

• Supplying biodegradable caskets that have no metal, plastics or harsh chemical finishes
• Offering containers for cremated remains that are biodegradable and made of 100% recyclable materials
• Planting a tree in memory of the deceased for every funeral that they handle
• Use 100% recycled paper products
• Using plant-based embalming fluids
• Using energy efficient lighting
• Recycling

Cobourg, Ontario is home to what is believed to be Ontario’s first eco-friendly burial ground. Located on a half hectare meadow, every effort is taken to ensure that everything related to the burial is as environmentally friendly as possible. And, eco-friendly burials may also save you a considerable amount of money.

• Nothing is put into the ground that is not harmless and biodegradable
• No pesticides are used - weeding is done by hand
• No markers, headstones or concrete vaults are permitted – wildflowers or shrubs mark the burial location
• Small commemorative plaques may also be placed on one of several fieldstones scattered around the meadow
• Caskets are simple wooden boxes
• Graves are dug by hand when ever possible