BIODEGRADABLE CONTAINTERS - Unbroken Circle Green Cemetery

Biodegradable Containers

Choosing a Container

Families often type “cost of green burials” into a search bar at 2 a.m., because cost matters and grief does not make it easier. The honest answer is that eco-friendly options can be less expensive, comparable, or more expensive depending on what you choose and where you bury. A simple untreated wood box or fiber-based container or shroud can be among the least expensive choices. Artisan plant-fiber caskets can cost more than basic wood options, especially when they are handcrafted.

When choosing a biodegradable burial container, select one that honors the life of your loved one. Simple and eco-friendly, burial shrouds, wicker baskets and biodegradable urns are popular options to bury loved ones in a natural way. This allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.

There are many different options to choose from, or you can make one yourself. Here are some of the basic categories with a couple ides that may help.

Our burial and pre-planning professionals can assist with making a choice. With your input, our experienced and compassionate staff can offer suggestions to make the burial a time of connection, respect, healing, and beauty.

Burial Shrouds

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How do you choose a burial shroud? When selecting the shroud, please remember that the material must be biodegradable. The second consideration is the size required to completely wrap the deceased. The degree of simplicity or adornment of the shroud is up to you.

In addition, the loved ones have the option to customize the shroud in a unique and meaningful way. One of the more meaningful and beautiful aspects of a natural burial is the addition of flowers, crystals, personalized messages, embroidery, or hand-painted designs to the shroud. In addition, religious beliefs are frequently included the personalization of the shroud. Remember, choosing a burial shroud as a biodegradable container supports the environment.

Are numerous burial shrouds on the market, including even on Amazon. Or, you can choose to make one yourself and even place it on or in an open wicker carrier.

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Click on the photo to enlarge.

“Wicker Cascets”

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Wicker caskets are typically made entirely of biodegradable and eco-friendly materials extracted from various plant sources including willow, bamboo, seagrass, and rattan. Thanks to the use of such materials, these caskets decompose almost completely within a few years, leaving little to no environmental impact. This makes such caskets the perfect option for green burials. And since wicker caskets are made from natural materials, they’re entirely combustible and can be used for cremations too.

That said, not all wicker caskets are made using biodegradable plant fibers, so be careful. In fact, there are some caskets that are made to look like wicker models, but are actually made from synthetic or plastic-based materials. These caskets are not biodegradable and do not decompose easily, thus having an adverse effect on the environment. So, if you’re looking for a wicker casket for your loved one’s funeral service, remember to ensure that you get that is certified biodegradable.

Wood Caskets

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Green wood caskets are an eco-friendly option that allows the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without use of toxic chemicals or non-biodegradable materials. A plain pine box is one of the most timeless expressions of simple burial. In many traditions, including some religious communities, simplicity is not a compromise—it is the point. Families sometimes worry that “simple” means “cold,” but a basic wood container can feel warm and human, especially when paired with personal touches like a handwritten note, a natural bouquet, or a small ceremony that reflects the person’s values.

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Click on the photo to enlarge.

Urns

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You may wish to have remains cremated and then distributed in a way they can be returned to the earth. You won’t be able to scatter the ashes around our cemetery. Surprisingly the scattering of ashes are not environmentally friendly. The high alkalinity of cremated remains is harmful to plants and inhibits their growth. However, gravesites are available for cremated remains that may be buried either directly in the ground or in a biodegradable container.

Our Mission

At Unbroken Circle Green Cemetery, we believe in honoring the circle of life in the most natural and respectful way possible.