Is green burial legal?
Yes, Absolutely. There are no laws in any state prohibiting green burial. Whether or not you will be able to have a green burial depends on if you can find a cemetery that is offering green burial plots. Because many conventional cemeteries require the use of a burial vault for grounds maintenance purposes, a fully green burial becomes problematic. If your cemetery isn’t currently offering green burial plots, ask them to! They might make an exception and allow a green burial in a regular plot without requiring a vault.
What are the local green burial requirements?
There are no specific green burial requirements for a state or municipality. The same laws that apply to all cemeteries(ex. setbacks, perk tests, plat maps, endowments etc.) will apply to green burial cemeteries. Each cemetery will have their own set of rules, set by the cemetery sexton, which may influence the details of a burial(green or otherwise), like what type of marker or headstone is allowed, what grave plantings are allowed, or if a vault is required or not.
Do all cemeteries provide plots for green burials?
No. See Local Cemeteries for a list of cemeteries in Marquette County and their green burial status. Location and contact info for each cemetery is provided.
Is embalming required?
No. Per The Funeral Rule, no state law requires routine embalming for every death. In Michigan, funeral directors are required to embalm bodies in their care if they are not interred after 48 hours. This law only applies to funeral directors and does not apply to bodies that are being kept at home in the care of the family.
What happens to a body that doesn’t get embalmed?
After death, a human body will start to decay, just like any other creature of this earth. It is possible to slow or stall decomposition by keeping the body cool. In a morgue for example, a body under refrigeration could stay relatively unchanged for months. For most funerals or home vigils, dry ice is sufficient to keep the body in good condition for a day or two to allow the community to pay their respects and say their goodbyes. Air conditioning and regular ice are also options.
Where do I get dry ice?
Start by asking your local ice cream shop. They use dry ice to keep their products cool and may have enough on hand to sell. If not, they will know where to get it. Also, check with Meijer.
What is green embalming?
Per the GREEN BURIAL COUNCIL, “green embalming fluid is a biodegradable, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and formaldehyde-free alternative to conventional embalming fluid. The process of embalming is the same regardless of which fluid is used.” GRC is not aware of any morticians providing green embalming in Marquette or the surrounding areas, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you find someone please let us know, eh?
Will a green burial contaminate the ground around it and spread disease?
No. There is no greater risk of contamination from a green burial than there is from a conventional burial with a metal casket and a concrete vault. Consider also that the earth’s soil is an excellent water filter. In Marquette county, building code allows for wells and septic systems to be placed 50 feet apart from each other. If a neighborhood full of septic systems isn’t contaminating the drinking water, then neither is a neighborhood green burial cemetery.
Do green burials happen in winter?
Yes. Cemeteries have various ways of thawing the ground for winter burial. Call your cemetery sexton for details on which methods they use.
After death does a body become property of the next of kin?
No. A human body is never legal property. The next of kin retains custody and control of the body until disposition(burial or cremation).
Is green burial “greener” than cremation?
Yes. From the GREEN BURIAL COUNCIL, “Cremation uses far fewer resources than conventional lawn burial with a vault, but it certainly has an environmental impact. Cremation burns fossil fuels, and some older cremation facilities can use significantly more energy compared to newer ones. Mercury is also emitted when a person with dental amalgam fillings is cremated…no standards yet exist that allow consumers to determine which cremation retorts produce fewer pollution and carbon emissions..” In addition, cremated remains consist of calcium phosphate and sodium. When scattered or buried, cremains do not enrich the nutrient profile of the soil or provide food for other organisms.
Can I be buried on my own property?
Sometimes, and it will take some work. In Michigan, it may be possible to create a family cemetery of one acre or less on private property. The land has to be surveyed and recorded. You would need zoning approval and a permit from the health department. Start by contacting your local zoning board if you are interested in this option.
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