By Lynda Spence, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent at UF/IFAS Extension-Marion County
Reviewed by Martie Gillen, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
Never a generation to accept status quo for the sake of status quo, baby boomers are exhibiting an increasing interest in exploring end-of-life planning. Growing pressure to keep costs down and the desire to personalize a final goodbye and take control of the planning process are all contributing towards a trend of simpler send-offs, including so-called “green” burials and funerals.
After hearing about a local screening for the documentary A Will for the Woods, a friend asked me what I knew of green burial. I had to admit my knowledge was limited. Curiosity got the best of us, and so we decided to attend. The film chronicles musician, psychiatrist, and folk dancer Clark Wang’s preparation for a green burial while facing lymphoma. It is very personal, moving, and informative. It further piqued my curiosity, so I delved deeper.
Green Burial
The Green Burial Council established the first set of standards for eco-friendly burials and burial grounds. According to the Council’s standards, green burials involve caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact while conserving natural resources and promoting the restoration or preservation of natural habitats. Subscribing to this philosophy means avoiding metal caskets, burial vaults, and embalming. (Embalming is not required by Florida law, but the body must be refrigerated within 24 hours of death.)
In green burial, a shallow grave is dug to allow microbial activity, similar to that which takes place in composting. Interment does not inhibit decomposition; it allows for the body to recycle naturally. The casket, urn, or shroud should be constructed from nontoxic and readily biodegradable materials/substances. Burial vaults or outer burial containers are not used because they prevent the body’s contact with soil.
Visit the website of Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery to see a local green burial ground.
The Federal Funeral Rule
Most states, Florida included, do not require that a funeral home be involved in planning and conducting funerals, meaning that funerals may be conducted in the home, if in compliance with the laws. Some people may find home funerals more personal and intimate than a typical church or funeral home funeral. They are also far less costly. However, others find the services of a professional funeral home comforting, because professionals have more experience with the details and legal requirements. Funerals are a consumer product and are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission.
The Florida Rule
In 2005, the Florida Legislature created the Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services and revised Chapter 497 of the Florida Statutes. Individuals involved in funeral and cemetery services are regulated by the Chapter; further purposes and intent of the rule are defined here. Inspections, examinations and investigations for the death care industry are conducted through the Department of Financial Services by the Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services Businesses. If you have specific questions about laws regarding burial and funerals in Florida, they can be reached by calling 800-323-2627 or visiting this page.
Prioritizing and Planning Ahead Are Key
A natural approach is not as widespread as traditional funerals or cremation, but the funeral industry is adapting as more individuals and families break from tradition, giving consideration to personal philosophy, the environment, financial resources, and more.
What we know is the best way to ensure your priorities are honored and your wishes are followed is for you to explore options before a crisis and plan in advance. Visit the resources in Further Reading to learn more. Also, watch for future blogs as we explore multiple aspects of end-of-life planning, including personal, social, medical, legal, and financial perspectives.
(Photo credit: Green Burial Coffin by kqed quest. CC BY-NC 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading:
Final Passages–a nonprofit institute dedicated to educating people about home funerals and alternate death practices
Alternative Funerals: Thinking Outside the Box
The National Home Funeral Alliance –A clearinghouse for educational and legal information on home funerals
Funeral Consumers’ Alliance–A nonprofit consumers’ right group helping people find less expensive funeral options
Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery–A green burial cemetery in Gainesville, FL
References:
Division of Funeral, Cemetery & Consumer Services, Home of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services. (2012) Retrieved from http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/funeralcemetery/#.VDbTL6TD-Ab
Funerals: A Consumer Guide. (2013). Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from http://www.myfloridacfo.com/funeralcemetery/fc_consumerfaq.htm.
Green Burial Council. info@greenburialcouncil.org
Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, 7204 SE County Road 234 Gainesville FL 32641
www.conservationburialinc.org
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