Green burials, also known as natural burials, offer an eco-conscious alternative to traditional interments. This practice emphasizes simplicity and sustainability by avoiding harmful chemicals, minimizing resource use, and conserving natural habitats. As demand grows for environmentally friendly end-of-life choices, Toronto and its surrounding areas have expanded their green burial offerings.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of green burial principles, a list of burial sites, planning considerations, and resources to help you make informed decisions.
What Is Green Burial?
Green burial focuses on returning the body to the earth with minimal environmental impact. This is achieved through practices such as:
- Using Biodegradable Containers: Caskets, urns, and shrouds made from wood, wicker, or organic fabric.
- Avoiding Embalming: Refraining from using chemical preservatives, though some cemeteries allow eco-friendly embalming fluids.
- No Burial Vaults: Eliminating concrete or metal vaults to allow natural decomposition.
- Natural Landscaping: Maintaining burial grounds with native plants and minimal intervention, supporting biodiversity.
Benefits of Green Burial
Here are the benefits of a green burial.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces chemical pollution and helps conserve natural habitats.
- Affordable: Eliminates costs associated with embalming, expensive caskets, and burial vaults.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Aligns with values of simplicity and returning to nature.
- Conservation Legacy: Contributes to the preservation of natural areas for future generations.
Green Burial Sites in Toronto and Nearby
Toronto has a growing number of cemeteries offering green burial options in the city and around the Greater Toronto Area. Below is a list of cemeteries with links for more information:
1. St. John’s Norway Cemetery (Toronto)
- Details: Offers green burial options without embalming or burial vaults. Allows biodegradable caskets, shrouds, and urns.
- Visit St. John’s Norway Cemetery
2. Meadowvale Cemetery (Brampton)
- Details: Features a green burial section near a wildlife preservation area. Biodegradable caskets and shrouds are accepted.
- Visit Meadowvale Cemetery
3. Duffin Meadows Cemetery (Pickering)
- Details: Dedicated green burial section with eco-friendly materials and natural memorial options.
- Visit Duffin Meadows Cemetery
4. Toronto Necropolis (Toronto)
- Details: Historic cemetery offering green burial services in line with natural burial principles.
- Visit Toronto Necropolis
5. Mount Pleasant Cemetery (Toronto)
- Details: Offers environmentally conscious burial practices with natural interment options.
- Visit Mount Pleasant Cemetery
6. Cobourg Union Cemetery (Cobourg)
- Details: Dedicated natural burial meadow overlooking Cobourg Creek. Biodegradable materials are required.
- Visit Cobourg Union Cemetery
7. Glenwood Cemetery (Picton)
- Details: Features a wooded lot for natural burials with minimal intervention.
- Visit Glenwood Cemetery
8. Willow’s Rest in Fairview Cemetery (Niagara Falls)
- Details: A 2-acre green burial section in a wildflower meadow, focusing on biodiversity and ecological preservation.
- Visit Willow’s Rest
9. Williamsburg Cemetery (Kitchener)
- Details: Green burial lots include a living memorial tree. Biodegradable materials are required.
- Visit Williamsburg Cemetery
10. Parkview Cemetery (Waterloo)
- Details: Contains a natural burial section with indigenous wildflowers and eco-friendly practices.
- Visit Parkview Cemetery
11. Woodlawn Memorial Park (Guelph)
- Details: Dedicated green burial section in development. Offers biodegradable burial materials and minimal landscaping.
- Visit Woodlawn Memorial Park
Costs of Green Burial
The cost of green burial in Toronto and nearby areas varies depending on location, materials, and services. Below is an approximate breakdown in Canadian dollars:
- Green burial plot: $3,000–$5,000
- Biodegradable casket or shroud: $500–$3,000
- Graveside service: $500–$1,500
- Natural memorial markers (optional): $200–$500
Total estimated cost range: $4,200–$10,000 CAD
This range is typically lower than traditional burials due to the simplicity of green burial practices, such as the absence of embalming and burial vaults. Prices may vary depending on the cemetery and services selected. See also: Green Burial Cost in Ontario
Planning a Green Burial
When considering a green burial, the following steps can help ensure a smooth process:
- Research Cemeteries: Confirm the availability of green burial options and their specific practices.
- Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with burial laws in Ontario to ensure compliance.
- Choose Biodegradable Materials: Select eco-friendly caskets, urns, or shrouds.
- Preplanning: Document your preferences to reduce stress for loved ones and ensure your wishes are met.
Additional Resources
For more information about green burials, explore these resources:
- Green Burial Society of Canada: Visit their website for certified providers and educational materials.
- Natural Burial Association: Learn more here about advocating for natural burial in Ontario.
- Ontario Cemeteries Act: Read the regulations governing burials in Ontario.
- See also: Green Burial in Ontario
