Making end-of-life decisions can be confusing. We hope sharing answers to our most frequently asked questions helps. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please get in touch.
Costs may be uppermost on your mind. Since each cemetery sets its own prices, we aren’t able to provide this. However, the Ontario Government has legislated fees for the perpetual care of each cemetery that are the highest fees in all of Canada. These fees pose a threat to affordable natural burial and the creation of natural burial grounds.
Yes, it’s legal. Natural burial has been around as long as humans, including in Canada. Today it is regularly practiced within several faiths. Far from being something new, the growing interest in natural burial is actually a revival of the traditional way of many of our ancestors, before deathcare became commercialized.
Cremation is far from environmentally friendly. One to two SUV sized tanks of gas are required to burn a body. The incinerator operates at 760 to 1150° C for one to three hours, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and unless the crematorium has invested in a modern retort, other toxins reach the atmosphere. After the flame process, the bones are pulverized into ‘ashes’. These cremated remains are very high in pH and sodium, which is harmful to roots and leaves. (An amendment product is available which can help to neutralize this).
There is no prescribed time frame, but a natural burial will typically take place within a week following death. Depending on where you live, the body may be cared for for longer periods. Some families choose to have a private burial take place shortly after death, to be followed by a funeral or celebration of life at a later time.
Not to worry, you are safe from the animals. By law, the top of a body must be buried 2 feet beneath the surface, and that’s too deep for the animals to smell. They aren’t interested anyway; they find food on the surface far more enticing. There are natural burial sites all around North America and scavenging animals aren’t a concern.
A natural burial allows us to reconnect to the earth. In laying the dead to rest in a biodegradable shroud or burial container, free of harsh embalming chemicals or synthetic materials, the body will naturally decompose. As the body decays water, heat and rich organic compounds containing essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus will be released. These three things are essential for life to thrive and following an initial spike in their concentrations shortly after burial, they create excellent growing conditions for plant, microbial and microscopic life. Other organisms such as fungi also play a role in breaking down the body and distributing nutrients throughout the soil through a web of root-like structures called mycelium that link many parts of the soil ecosystem. Local biodiversity will flourish throughout the food web all thanks to the release of stored energy from the body over days, weeks, months and years.
The bylaws of each cemetery vary, but most natural burial grounds accept bodies with medical devices. While it is not ideal to bury non-biodegradable materials, it is still considerably better than the alternative of a conventional burial or cremation.
Anatomical donations are usually compatible with green burials. When an individual specifies that they would like to donate their organs or tissues, this will typically take place immediately after death. Once the targeted organs and tissues have been removed, the family is free to arrange the burial of their loved one. However, some individuals specify that they would like to donate their body for anatomical study, often through a local university. In this case, the entire body is donated, and a green burial will not be possible. A cremation may ultimately follow this donation. If you’d like to donate your body to science you may want to have a back-up plan, as there are more donations than need, so many bodies can’t be accepted. For more information on anatomical donations, the Trillium Gift of Life Network is a great resource. You can visit them at https://www.giftoflife.on.ca/en/.
Most natural burial sites will accept cremated remains for burial or scattering. This way, even those who have chosen cremation, have an opportunity to have a final resting place in nature, and can help to protect that natural landscape, simply by being buried there. Cremated remains are high in pH and saline, which is harmful to roots and soil. Some natural burial grounds may suggest mixing the ashes with an amendment, which helps to neutralize the harm.
Green burials are less expensive than conventional burials. Most natural burial sites try to keep the price as low as possible, in an effort to make this environmentally friendly option accessible to everyone. In addition, the burial container will be modest, and there will not be a concrete burial vault or grave marker to add to the cost. Cremation is usually less expensive than burial, however it is a much greater cost to the environment.
In Ontario, consumers must pay the highest cemetery perpetuity fees in all of Canada. The Natural Burial Association is trying to change this.
The vast majority of diseases die within hours of when we do as disease causing bacteria and virus’ cannot survive outside of the body for long. The bacteria that promote decomposition are not the same bacteria that spread disease and are naturally present in the soil. Direct contact with the soil ecosystem will help to recycle nutrients from the body faster than if left in a sealed vault or casket and helps to promote diverse plant and animal life.
The assistance of a funeral home is not required by law. Many families may find funeral homes helpful, in that they can assist with the necessary paperwork and transfer of the deceased, and can provide the facilities for a viewing or funeral. Unfortunately, there are funeral homes that are not familiar or supportive of natural burials. For example, the funeral home may not carry biodegradable burial containers. (Anyone can purchase such a container from various providers online, however, funeral homes reserve the right to refuse an outside casket). If you know which natural burial ground you like, ask them to recommend a friendly funeral home, either near the cemetery or near your home.
Some families may consider foregoing the assistance of a funeral home, and can instead look to a local “transfer service” instead. These companies are typically less costly, and aim to assist strictly with the paperwork and transportation of the deceased (though they are often only available in urban areas).
It is highly recommended that you look into your local death care options in advance, and contact funeral homes or transfer services ahead of time to familiarize yourself with their options. To know your rights as a consumer in Ontario, see the Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s Consumer Information Guide at https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/consumer-information-guide/.
Alternatively, more and more Canadians are finding that they would like to take after-death care into their own hands.
A family member may assume the responsibilities that usually are undertaken by the funeral home. This includes transportation and care of the body, documentation including death registration, obtaining a Coroner’s Cremation Certificate (required for all cremations) or Out of Province Certificate (if a body will cross a provincial boundary for disposition) or arranging religious or personal ceremonies to mark the death. Of course, they cannot embalm.
While it is possible for family members to provide these services without a license, in some cases it may be advisable for family members to seek the services of a death doula, or licensed funeral establishment, or transfer service for some aspects of funeral arrangements. For example; a family member may not have a vehicle that can transport the body, or the means to transfer a casket or container into or out of a residence for a home funeral or vigil. For some people, the experience of grieving may make it difficult to adequately prepare and submit the necessary documentation to register a death or obtain a Coroner’s Cremation Certificate.
When contemplating family-led death care, it is important to note that institutions, like hospitals or nursing homes, may not be aware that it is legal for family members to provide funeral services for their deceased family members. It is best that planning for family-led death care take place well in advance, including direct communication with the institutions or organizations that may be involved to ensure that there is no misunderstanding at the time of need. (source: https://thebao.ca/for-consumers/family-led-death-care/). The Home Funeral Alliance (US) website has many helpful resources for leading a home funeral, and to learn more about death doulas and other resources, visit Canadian Integrative Network for Death Education and Alternatives.
Natural burial grounds are intended to be sanctuaries for the dead and the living. People are encouraged to visit the site, and be in this natural setting. We’ve heard family members say “I came here feeling sad, but I leave feeling happy.”
Natural burial grounds don’t have the big tombstones seen in conventional cemeteries. Instead, there are either modest flat, locally sourced stones, or a communal marker, such as a boulder with the names engraved. To enhance the sense of being steeped in nature, some natural burial grounds are doing away with grave markers. Instead, a family can easily find their loved one using GPS. Legally, every cemetery must be able to locate its residents, yet we like to think that the entire meadow, or woodland is the memorial place for each person laid to rest.
You absolutely can view your loved one before the burial. In fact, grief counselors often encourage families to view the body and say goodbye. Many people will seek the assistance of a funeral home to facilitate a viewing. An embalming procedure will be offered, but it is not legally required, and is not accepted at natural burial grounds. Instead, instruct the funeral home to forego embalming and other invasive procedures, and to simply close the eyes and mouth of your loved one. Keep in mind that a viewing should take place within a couple days following a death, and it is recommended that the body be kept in a cool environment during the interim.
A funeral home is not required to facilitate a viewing; this can take place in the family home. Many will find this to be a more comfortable and organic option for their family, especially if the death occurred in the home. Many people will seek an end of life doula for guidance in this area. For more information on home funerals and holistic death practices, visit Community Deathcare Canada https://www.communitydeathcare.ca/ or End Of Life Doula Association https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/membership-roster/.
Funerals (or celebrations of life and memorials) are an important part of commemorating a life lived. Whether it be big or small, religious or secular, a ceremony is absolutely compatible with green burials. A service may be held prior to the burial, at a place of worship, funeral home, family home, or even outdoors at the burial site. Many families prefer to proceed with an intimate natural burial first, and then host a ceremony at a later time, in a manner and at a location that is meaningful to the family.
An individual’s religious beliefs are personal, and so are their choices at death. Many people of faith feel that natural burials compliment their beliefs more than conventional dispositions. Natural burials may be considered an interpretation of “earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. In Jewish and Muslim burials, it is customary that there is no embalming, and that the body be in physical contact with the soil when buried. If you are unsure of how a green burial may fit in with your religious customs, it may be helpful to speak to your community’s religious leader for clarity.
If you are interested in green burial, you are part of a growing community that shares your enthusiasm for more sustainable and meaningful death care practices. The most important step is to share your wishes with your family or friends. It can be a difficult conversation to raise, but your family will be glad to know that they are fulfilling your wishes. Here’s a document that will help you sort through the planning consideration. NBA Guide for Natural Burial We also have a brochure that might help you initiate the conservation: Natural burial – a conversation starter.
As far as the definition goes, there’s no difference between a ‘green’ or ‘natural’ burial. We like to use ‘natural’ because it’s the most accurate. Green implies an environmental gesture. Natural burial is that and more. It is the most eco-friendly way of caring for our dead, and protecting nature, but without any commercial process, it connects us back to the earth, within the web of life.
‘Green’ is laden with ‘green wash’ and to some has political connotations. The wonderful thing about natural burial is that it appeals to people of all ages, cultures and political stripes, and it’s chosen for reasons that go beyond healing our planet.
Legally, cemetery operators must be able to locate every grave, regardless of how the graves are marked. At natural burial grounds, there may be a modest marker, such as a locally sourced stone, or there may be a communal marker, such as a boulder with names engraved. There’s a sense that the cemetery’s entire natural landscape is the legacy of the deceased, not just the 8 x 4 plot. GPS is becoming increasingly popular as a way of locating loved ones because it doesn’t disrupt the natural setting.
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s (the delegated authority on cemeteries) response to this question is:
“In Ontario, a full body and/or cremated remains must be interred/buried in a licensed cemetery. In the FBCSA, the definition for “cemetery” is as follows:
“cemetery” means,
(a) land that has been established as a cemetery under this Act, a private Act or a predecessor of one of them that related to cemeteries, or
(b) land that was recognized by the registrar as a cemetery under a predecessor of this Act that related to cemeteries, and includes,
(c) land that, in the prescribed circumstances, has been otherwise set aside for the interment of human remains, and
(d) a mausoleum or columbarium intended for the interment of human remains; (“cimetière”)
If you are looking to inter human remains on one’s own property, you will first have to establish a cemetery on that land and become a licensed operator.”
It sure does, and that’s good. Every inch of space you take up is leaving a legacy of nature because at natural burial grounds, the land is restored and protected in it’s natural eco-habitat. You may also be thinking that we don’t have enough space if everyone opts for natural burial. We’ve got that covered. We’re working with the government to see if graves can be re-used, as they are in Europe, Quebec and some US states. After several decades, your body has decomposed. If there are any remains, such as teeth, they are dug deeper, allowing for a new grave closer to the surface to welcome someone else. That means the natural burial ground is always sustainable, both economically and environmentally.
As our bodies break down they release fluids and other products. Careful planning goes into natural burial site selection with standards such as a 250m setback from wells, and a 1m buffer above groundwater to disperse fluids into the ecosystem. Natural burial graves have an additional advantage over modern graves for dispersing fluids as they are shallower (2-3 feet/1m vs. 5-6 feet/2m) and are typically surrounded by the natural vegetation of forests or meadows. This keeps the body well above groundwater sources and allows plants and microbes to absorb nutrient rich fluids produced as our energy is recycled into the environment.
Some hybrid natural burial grounds offer winter burial, others don’t. It’s important to check first, because at a time of grief, it adds to the hardship to hear that the burial cannot occur. Rather, the body is taken care of in a cool environment over the winter. Unfortunately this necessitates the body is embalmed. There are environmentally friendly alternatives to formaldehyde, but embalming is an invasive process which takes away the nutrients that could have returned to the earth.
We are hoping that as natural burial becomes more popular, cemeteries offer burial year-round. If it’s offered 52 weeks of the year in Thunder Bay, it should be available further south.
One option is Picton’s Glenwood Cemetery, which has onsite a small, charming limestone building where they take care of the deceased over the winter until the spring thaw.
Natural organic reduction, sometimes referred to as ‘human composting’, returns the body to earth through individual composting, resulting in healthy, nutrient-rich soil, which is then placed in the cemetery. For about sixty days the body is placed in a tubular container, along with straw and woodchips and other elements that prompt decomposition. At some point the bone s are removed, ground, and returned to the soil to cure for another four weeks. At the end of this period there’s about one cubic metre of soil which is returned to the family. As of early 2023, NOR has been legalized in sixUS states, but not yet in Canada.
Another commercial process, alkaline hydrolysis or liquid cremation, has recently been approved in Ontario, as an alternative to flame cremation. While CO2 emissions are lower, the disrobed body is placed in a chamber that holds over 300 litres of water and the same alkaline chemicals that are commonly found in household cleaners (s0dium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide). The effluent is discharged as wastewater.
Similar to flame cremation, the bones are pulverized to produce cremated ‘ashes’. Unfortunately, their high pH and sodium levels render ashes harmful when planted or scattered.
The Ontario Government has updated the law to allow for pet burials, provided they are house pets, cremated and buried in a designated section of a cemetery set aside for human and their pets.
The answer to this question is really ‘the sky’s the limit’. Keeping in mind that funerals are for both the dead and the living, here are some considerations:
AT THE NATURAL BURIAL GROUND:
CEREMONIES/CELEBRATION OF LIFE/MEMORIALS/FUNERAL SERVICE
This is not an exhaustive list! Just as weddings have adapted over time to be more of a reflection of the couple, so too can a funeral be a reflection of the deceased. Please plan ahead. When someone has died, planning a funeral, and second guessing that the right decisions are being made, can be overwhelming at a time of grief.