Cemeteries in Massachusetts provide opportunities for residents to carry on their environmental activism even in death.
By Brielle Laurent and Janiela Quinones
Many people are talking about all of the ways we can be sustainable in our everyday lives. From driving less to recycling more, the environment is always a strong topic in our conversations day to day. Most people want to ensure that they are making a significant impact while leaving a small carbon footprint. They want to have a legacy, a memorable life, and the reassurance they will leave the world knowing they made a difference for future generations. So, what if your funeral could ensure that there is a future generation to reap these benefits? Green burials can do just that.
Right now, about 4.3 million gallons of toxic embalming fluid is used in the US every year (NowThisEarth), while the 2.2 million cremations done in the US have as much CO2 emissions as more than 82,000 cars per year (CANA). The good news is that unlike these common methods of treating the dead, green burials are designed to avoid as much harm to the environment as possible. They are a much more natural way of burying the dead, without the use of concrete vaults, polished monuments, or non-biodegradable containers. There are no chemicals used nor fossil fuels. The burial is clean, more intimate, and allows for families to be directly involved in the funeral, such as digging the grave themselves and placing back dirt, leaves, branches, and other flora. The families with their dearly departed are able to reincorporate traditional burial styles from hundreds of years ago into their new practices, and ensure that the environment is protected while doing so.
Thankfully, green burials are legal in Massachusetts and are already available in multiple cemeteries throughout the state. The unfortunate news is that, as of now, there are not many cemeteries offering green burials in Essex County. However, there’s no need to panic! We have some local allies on our side helping to transform modern funerals as we know them. One of these amazing groups is Green Burial Massachusetts, a statewide non-profit organization educating the public on green burials and empowering communities to help popularize the sustainable option. This group is currently working on creating a database of cemeteries in Massachusetts, recruiting volunteers to help educate the public, collect data, and offer resources for their website.
“We are conducting a cemetery research project to learn which Massachusetts cemeteries offer green burial, to whom it is available… and other information including cost and location… Volunteers are adding new information to the list every month” (Green Burial Massachusetts).
Green Burial Massachusetts welcomes anyone who wants to get involved and improve the sustainability of cemeteries in the state. Upon request, Green Burial Massachusetts provides presentations to the public. With the help of other members in the organization, the presentations provide information and break the stigma around green burials.
“As part of our mission to educate the public about green burial, we provide talks, workshops, webinars, and other educational programs about natural burial… Our presentations cover what green burial is, how it works, where it can be done, and more” (Green Burial Massachusetts).
SAFE is proud to support Green Burial Massachusetts and their sustainability initiatives. Everyone in the world will die, so it’s important to take the time to consider how you would like for yourself and your loved ones to be buried. Don’t let your last footprint on Earth be made of carbon. For more information, please visit the links below and learn how you can support green burial initiatives in your community and across the state.
Green Burial Massachusetts Homepage
Brielle Laurent is SAFE’s Spring Communications Intern.
Janiela Quinones is SAFE’s Sumer Communications Intern.