Discover Burial Options from Traditional to Eco-Friendly
Choosing the right burial option is a significant part of honoring a person’s legacy, whether it’s something you’re considering for yourself or a loved one. This decision should be determined in accordance with the person’s wishes, and reflect their values, adherence to cultural practices, and environmental considerations. In this article, we explore various burial options, including traditional in-ground, above-ground, and eco-friendly alternatives, to help you make an informed choice during this challenging time.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional in-ground burials are a great option for those who want to honor cultural or religious practices, though they can be costly and have a significant impact on the environment.
- Above-ground memorials, such as mausoleums and lawn crypts, offer a distinct and protective way to honor loved ones.
- Eco-friendly burials are available for those who wish to minimize their environmental impact.
Traditional In-Ground Burials
A traditional in-ground burial involves interring the deceased in a grave, typically with embalming to preserve the body, a casket, and a burial vault or liner within a cemetery plot. This type of burial is ideal for those valuing cultural or religious practices, or those desiring a permanent place to honor the deceased. The benefits include providing a physical location for visits and fulfilling religious rites. However, it can be costly due to embalming, caskets, and burial plots, and has a significant environmental impact due to non-biodegradable materials and chemicals. In 2021 the National Funeral Directors survey found the median cost of a funeral with in-ground burial (not including cemetery costs) was $7,848[1].
Types of Burial Plots
A burial plot is a designated piece of land within a cemetery where a person’s remains are laid to rest. Choosing the right burial plot is a significant part of honoring your or a loved one’s legacy, and purchasing a burial plot can be done both in advance or during your time of need.
Single Burial Plots: Individual Resting Places
Designed for one person, single burial plots are among the most common types of cemetery plots. These plots provide a final resting place for individuals and may include personalized headstones or other kinds of memorials.
Companion Burial Plots: A Place to Rest Together
Companion burial plots are a wonderful option for spouses or partners that wish to be buried together. There are side-by-side companion plots where the individuals can be laid next to each other. Another option is a double-depth plot which takes up a single burial space with two caskets stacked on top of each other.
Family Burial Plots: A Space to Honor Heritage
For families that wish to be buried together, family burial plots can be reserved as a resting place for multiple family members. These cemetery plots may be purchased in a row or rectangle-shaped area and often feature one long headstone with the family name engraved on it, and individual headstones for each family member.
How Much is a Burial Plot?
The cost of a burial plot can depend on a variety of factors such as size, location, and type. The average price of a single burial plot can range from $1,000 to $4,500[2]. Companion and family burial plots tend to be more expensive since they take up more space, however they offer a sense of community and heritage that can be invaluable to some people.
Above-Ground Burials
Above-ground burials may be a great option for individuals and families seeking a distinct and visually striking memorial to serve as a lasting tribute to the deceased’s legacy. There are several types of above-ground burials, including:
Mausoleums
A mausoleum is an above-ground burial option that features a collection of burial spaces called crypts, where bodies are entombed. These free-standing structures are often made from durable materials like granite and marble that can stand up to harsh environmental elements[3]. They can be shared or private, depending on the wishes of your loved one or family.
Lawn Crypts
For families that prefer a traditional burial aesthetic but want enhanced protection, lawn crypts are a compromise between ground burials and mausoleums. Each burial often includes a concrete outer container and they are usually double-depth burial plots that accommodate two people who prefer to be laid to rest together[4].
Eco-Friendly Burial Options
Choosing an eco-friendly burial can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one while also caring for the planet. These options are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Each method offers a unique way to return a person or pet gently to the earth, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and respect for the natural world. Let’s explore some of these gentle, earth-friendly alternatives.
Green Burials
According to a 2023 study from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 60% of consumers are interested in exploring “green” burial options because of their potential cost savings and environmental benefits[5]. The average cost of a green burial is about $2,000, making it relatively more affordable than other options[6].
This type of burial avoids the use of embalming chemicals to preserve the body and may include the use of biodegradable caskets or shrouds. This method allows the body to decompose naturally, returning helpful nutrients to the earth. It’s important to note that green burials are generally not offered in traditional cemeteries and take place in green cemeteries or nature preserves[7]. It is a great burial option if you or your loved one is interested in an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials.
Green burials can be an extremely meaningful experience for the bereaved. There is often an emphasis on the cycle of life, which promotes a holistic approach and honors the emotional and spiritual aspects of death.
Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA
Natural Burials
Similar to green burials, natural burials aim to minimize environmental impact with some slight variation. Natural burials often only refer to the burial process, rather than additional processes that take place in preparation (such as embalming). In these burials, the deceased are buried in biodegradable containers made by materials like bamboo and seagrass[8].
Creating a Lasting Tribute to Your Loved One
Choosing a burial option is a significant, deeply personal decision. Whether you opt for a traditional in-ground burial, an above-ground option like a mausoleum or lawn crypt, or an eco-friendly alternative, the most important factor is that it honors the memory of your loved one and provides comfort to those left behind. Each method has its own benefits and considerations, allowing you to find the right balance between tradition, environmental impact, and personal values. As you navigate this decision, remember that the choice you make is a lasting tribute to the person’s life and legacy.
Written by Claire Beutel
My name is Claire Beutel, and I bring over a decade of experience in digital marketing. I specialize in crafting and executing SEO strategies that deliver measurable organic results for businesses of all sizes. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply passionate about supporting mental health and wellness causes—a mission close to my heart shaped by my lifelong battle with depression. When Kevin approached me about creating a resource to help individuals navigate the overwhelming challenges of major life decisions, I immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity. It was a chance to use my skills to truly make a difference in people's lives by providing guidance and support during some of their most difficult moments. I feel privileged to be involved in such a meaningful cause.
Subject Matter Expert Marisa Akerman, MS, LMHCA
Marisa Akerman holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University, Fort Wayne. With over 10 years of experience in clinical settings, Marisa specializes in supporting clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, gender and sexual identity issues, and other mental health conditions.
Sources
Maryland Funeral Directors Association. (n.d.). Burial options. Sourced from https://mdfunerals.org/burial/
Cemetery.com. (n.d.). Costs of cemetery plots. Sourced from https://www.cemetery.com/learning-center/cemetery-funeral-costs-financing-insurance/costs-cemetery-plots
Woodlawn Cemetery. (n.d.). Advantages of mausoleums. Sourced from https://www.woodlawnsyracuse.org/articles/advantages-of-mausoleums/
University of Florida IFAS Extension. (n.d.). Green burial: An alternative for end-of-life. Sourced from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1466
National Funeral Directors Association. (n.d.). Statistics. Sourced from https://nfda.org/news/statistics
Funeral Consumers Alliance. (n.d.). Green burial & other environmentally friendly choices. Sourced from https://funerals.org/get-help/green-options/
A Greener Funeral. (n.d.). Find green funeral providers. Sourced from https://www.agreenerfuneral.org/providers/
A Greener Funeral. (n.d.). Natural and green burials: What’s the difference? Sourced from https://www.agreenerfuneral.org/natural-and-green-burials-whats-the-difference/