Natural Burials

The topic of Natural Funerals covers a wide range of issues from the full “natural burials”, in special burial grounds, to simple choices throughout the funeral process that minimises the environmental impact and carbon footprint. Over the last few weeks I have touched on various areas with this week’s focus on Natural Burials. Natural Burial Process

There are only 2 natural burial cemeteries in the Wellington Region, one in Mãkara and one here in Kāpiti. The Natural burial cemetery is part of the Ōtaki cemetery, now more easily accessible via the new Express Way past Ōtaki. The ethos for a natural burial includes:

1. A Natural Casket.

A casket made of natural materials like plain pine or woven Cane (not cardboard) and should not have any plastics but rather natural handles such as rope and lining such as cotton.

2. Chemical Free Deceased Preparation.

ecoprep

This can be achieved through refrigeration or for viewing through processes such as use of dry Ice or the gentle approach of Eco Prep.

See previous articles on this or visit our web site for more information on this chemical free preparation.

3. Natural Burial Plot.

The Cemetery at Ōtaki has a special Natural burial section that has plots in a ‘grove’ that are larger than a normal burial plot, and shallow for the natural soils to break down the body more quickly. A native shrub selection is provided to plant on the plot following the burial and a simple wooden marker placed by the grave. Eventually all the area will turn to a native grove of bush, which the GPS coordinates of the plot are retained for future reference.

Choosing a natural burial is not necessarily a cheaper option, but is a lovely way to return to the elements with a low carbon footprint. Other ‘clean’ cremation options are available and were discussed in my previous articles. These can be found on our websites blog page.

For further information about Natural Funerals, go to our web site. www.kapiticoastfuneralhome.co.nz /eco-funerals