Natural Burial Grounds and Eco-Friendly Farewells in Australia
“Natural burial is the practice of burying a human body in the earth, in a manner that allows for natural decomposition with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.” -Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN)
Natural Burial is the practice of burying a body in the most eco-friendly way possible, so that they can return to the earth without having a big impact on the environment around them. It is to prepare the body and the coffin in a way that allows for more natural decomposition.
This means no embalming, being dressed in clothing that is made from natural fibres and being either buried in a shroud also made from natural fibres or a coffin that is build from materials such as untreated wood, wicker, cane, wool or seagrass.
While a cardboard coffin is an option, some natural burial grounds may not accept them due to the glues and other materials used to create cardboard.
Natural burial grounds also require natural grave markers. Instead of the usual headstones, markers can be a rock, a tree, a plant or a wooden sign.
Below is a list of natural burial grounds in Australia.
New South Wales
Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery
Victoria
Kurweeton Road Cemetery, which is dedicated to upright burials
Little Yarra at Uppa Yarra Public Cemetery
Murrun Naroon, Bunurong Memorial Park
Australian Capital Territory
Queensland
Western Australia
Tasmania
Geeveston Cemetery
North West Bay Cemetery
South Australia
Wirra Wonga
Yacca Creeks Memorial Reserve
If you’d like to consider a green funeral or memorial service as well, there are a few things you can do.
You can plant a tree in memoriam of your person.
Use recycled paper for memorial cards.
Email an order or service instead of printing one.
Instead of offering flowers, donate to a charity the person cared about.
Use home grown flowers instead of purchasing flowers.
Publish social media or online notices instead of printing.
Order food that is sourced locally or offer a potluck for wakes and memorials.
Use biodegradable urns for cremains.
Care for the body at home or hold home vigils and funerals to reduce energy and resource use.
If you are planning a farewell for someone you love, or even yourself, consider these eco-friendly options.
