Green burials: A fresh approach to laying loved ones to rest
Green burials are becoming more and more popular.
What is the purpose of a green burial?
The idea is when you die, they dig a hole, wrap your body and lay it in the ground to decompose naturally.
There are places to do this around the Triangle, including Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. It has a section called Mordecai’s Meadow. They don’t use chemicals or embalming fluid. Also, you don’t get buried in a casket with metal hinges and stuff like that.
It makes it better for the environment, hence the word, “green.”
It’s greener than cremation too, which in 2021 was the most popular choice in the U.S.
According to the Cremation Association of America, about 57% of people chose cremation and 37% go with a traditional burial
Alternative green burial options
Wrapping a body and laying it in the ground to decompose naturally isn't the only green method for laying your loved ones to rest. Water cremation, human composting, mushroom suits and donating your remains to science are all natural and green methods that are available in North Carolina.
What is water cremation
North Carolina is a state that does water cremation. A body goes into a tank, filled with hot, alkaline water. After a few hours, only bones are left. It’s like fire cremation but without the emissions, and around the same price. It typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000.
What is human composting
There are six states that allow for human composting. A body goes into a chamber for a few months. It turns into fertilizer, which people can use. It costs about $5,000 to do this, but North Carolina is not among the states that allows for human composting.
What are mushroom suits?
Dead people can also get a mushroom suit. It’s a suit made of mushrooms and costs about $2,000. The spores and other microorganisms aid in decomposition. It’s similar to a green burial, but faster. It takes about two years for the body to be gone.
How can you donate your remains to science?
People also donate their remains to science, which could mean several things. It could help medical students hone a life-saving advancement. However, it’s more likely the person’s remains are used as a crash test dummy or to help plastic surgeons practice a brow lift.
In Depth With Dan
Dan Haggerty is a reporter and anchor for WRAL. He’s won four regional Emmy awards for his anchoring and reporting. He's reported in Fort Myers, Florida; Cleveland; San Diego; Dallas; Portland, Oregon and Raleigh, North Carolina. He is proud to call the Triangle home.
Anyone who has an idea for In Depth with Dan can email him at dan@wral.com.
