Green burials in Ontario offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional interment methods, allowing individuals to minimize their environmental impact even after death. This approach emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, aligning with the natural processes of decomposition. While most green burial sites are concentrated in southern Ontario, there is growing interest and advocacy for green burial options in northern communities.
What is a Green Burial?
A green burial, also known as a natural burial, focuses on returning the body to the earth in a manner that fosters natural decomposition and minimizes environmental harm. Key characteristics include:
- No Embalming: Avoiding the use of embalming fluids, which often contain harmful chemicals.
- Biodegradable Materials: Utilizing caskets, shrouds, or urns made from biodegradable substances.
- No Vaults: Eliminating the use of concrete or plastic vaults to allow direct contact with the earth.
- Natural Landscaping: Maintaining the burial site with indigenous plants and without extensive landscaping.
Why Choose a Green Burial?
Opting for a green burial offers several benefits:
- Environmental Preservation: Reduces carbon footprint and avoids introducing toxins into the soil.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often more affordable due to the simplicity of materials and processes.
- Natural Aesthetics: Provides a serene and natural setting that can be more comforting to families.
Green Burial Cemeteries in Ontario
Ontario hosts several cemeteries that accommodate green burials, either through dedicated sections or as part of their broader services. Notable examples include:
- Cobourg Union Cemetery: Located in Cobourg, this cemetery offers a natural burial section overlooking Cobourg Creek, emphasizing sustainable practices and natural landscaping.
- Meadowvale Cemetery: Situated in Brampton, Meadowvale provides a green burial section adjacent to a wildlife preservation area, promoting eco-friendly interment options.
- Duffin Meadows Cemetery: Based in Pickering, this cemetery features a dedicated green burial section, allowing for natural burials with biodegradable materials.
- Glenwood Cemetery: Located in Picton, Glenwood offers a serene forest-like setting for natural green burials, allowing the body to return to the earth naturally.
- Fairview Cemetery: In Niagara Falls, Fairview’s “Willow’s Rest” is a two-acre green burial section set in a wildflower meadow, surrounded by native trees.
Green Burial in Toronto
Toronto, as one of Ontario’s largest urban centers, offers green burial options through specific cemeteries committed to sustainability:
- Meadowvale Cemetery: Located in the Greater Toronto Area (Brampton), Meadowvale Cemetery features a green burial section adjacent to a wildlife preservation area. The cemetery prioritizes natural interment methods, such as the use of biodegradable materials and the avoidance of vaults.
- Pine Hills Cemetery: Situated in Scarborough, Pine Hills has a green burial section designed to preserve biodiversity and encourage the growth of native plants. This cemetery offers one of the few natural burial options within close proximity to downtown Toronto.
In Toronto, green burial advocates also work with organizations like the Natural Burial Association to promote awareness and expand green burial services within urban settings.
Green Burial Options in Northern Ontario
Green burial options in northern Ontario are still developing, but there are signs of progress:
- Sault Ste. Marie: The Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is offers a natural burial area, making it one of the first green burial initiatives in the region.
- Sudbury: Advocacy for green burial in Sudbury is gaining attention. Notably, efforts to promote natural burial practices in northeastern Ontario are being led by individuals and organizations passionate about sustainability.
Green Burial Costs Compared for Ontario
The costs associated with various end-of-life options in Ontario can vary significantly based on services selected, location, and individual preferences. Below is a comparative overview of the average expenses for each option:
| Service Type | Average Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Green Burial | $3,000 – $5,000 | Involves a natural burial without embalming, using biodegradable materials, and often in a natural setting. Costs include documentation, transportation, body preparation, and a biodegradable casket or shroud. |
| Aquamation (Water Cremation) | $2,o00 to $4,500 | Remains are turned to ashes through the chemical process of alkaline hydrolysis. |
| Direct Burial | $2,000 – $3,000 | A simple burial without a formal ceremony. Costs typically cover basic services, transportation, and a simple casket. Cemetery fees are often additional. |
| Direct Cremation | $1,000 – $3,000 | Involves cremation without a preceding service. Costs include the cremation process and basic services; urns and additional services may incur extra fees. |
| Traditional Cremation | $4,500 – $6,000+ | Includes cremation with a formal service, which may involve viewings, visitations, and memorial ceremonies. Additional costs can include embalming, facility use, and ceremonial services. |
| Traditional Burial | $7,500 – $10,000+ | Encompasses a full-service funeral with viewing, ceremony, and burial. Costs cover embalming, a casket, cemetery plot, and other associated services. Prices can escalate based on casket choice and cemetery location. |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific service providers and regional differences within Ontario.
Planning a Green Burial in Ontario
When considering a green burial, it’s essential to:
- Research Cemeteries: Identify cemeteries that offer green burial options in your area.
- Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local and provincial regulations regarding green burials.
- Choose Appropriate Materials: Select biodegradable caskets or shrouds that align with green burial standards.
- Communicate Wishes: Ensure that your family and funeral director are aware of your preferences for a green burial.
Additional Resources
- Green Burial Society of Canada: Provides a directory of green burial cemeteries and information on eco-friendly interment practices.
- Natural Burial Association: A non-profit organization advocating for natural burial grounds in Ontario.
- Green Burial Ottawa Valley: Offers information and support for green burials in the Ottawa Valley region.
See also: Green Burial FAQ and Green Funerals FAQ
