One year ago, we devoted our column to the subject of “Green Burials”. At that time the local offerings for residents interested in this environmentally friendly option were limited to just one cemetery, Queen of Heaven in Lockport. The next closest options were two cemeteries in Rochester and one in Newfield, NY near Ithaca.
We’re happy to report that two additional cemeteries are now offering green burials in WNY.
But first- a quick reprise on what a green burial is. (To read the 2023 article in entirety scroll down to our November 2023 Blog Post.)
A deceased’s body is buried without embalming fluid and remains are wrapped in shrouds that are biodegradable/non-toxic.
If used at all, caskets or coffins are made from natural, biodegradable, and sustainable materials. Screws, nails, or other metal hardware are not allowed.
Green burial sites are naturalized landscapes with minimal maintenance and often host wildflower gardens and trees.
Cremated remains are not allowed due to the high carbon emissions footprint from gas-fueled flame cremation. (The equivalent of a 500 mile car trip.)
Varying rules may or may not allow headstones or ground flush markers.
This past month the Forest Lawn Group added two cemeteries that have been certified for green burials. (Unfortunately, our East Aurora Cemetery will not be certified as such.) However, individuals who wish to have their death reflect their desires to preserve and care for the natural world, and also feel flexible about the location of their burial, now have the following closer destinations to consider in their end-of-life planning.
Lakeside Cemetery - Section D
4810 Camp Rd.
Hamburg, NY
One full body burial is allowed per grave.
The deceased must be wrapped in a biodegradable material/shroud.
Green burial is below ground with mowed lawn on top.
Lawn level memorial markers flush with the ground are allowed.
Hybrid green burial (Graves are dug by machine).
Cost: $3,500 per grave- cost does not include burial fees or the cost of a memorial marker.
Forest Hill Cemetery- Phelps Meadow
40 High St.
Attica, NY
One full body burial is allowed per grave.
The deceased must be wrapped in a biodegradable material/shroud.
Green burial is below ground with wildflowers/grass un-mowed above. (Mowing takes place just 1-2x yearly.)
No memorial markers/headstones are allowed.
A large tablet / ledger will be installed at the edge of the property with all the decedent’s names inscribed on it.
Hybrid green burial (Graves are dug by machines.)
Cost: $3,000 per grave- cost does not include burial fees but it does include the decedent’s name engraved on the ledger.
If you desire a green burial for yourself or loved one(s), it’s important to express your wishes to your family and funeral director, particularly to refuse the embalming process. Howe Kenneth and Wood Funeral Homes in East Aurora are both familiar with the requirements of green burials and are willing to work with families who desire to “go green” in death as in life.
Submitted by Susan Russell
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