Jewish tradition prohibits embalming. Preservation is done through refrigeration, avoiding chemicals that can harm the environment.
Compassionate Green Burial Services
What Is Green Burial?
Green burial offers a natural and environmentally conscious way to care for the departed. By minimizing environmental impact, it forgoes embalming and uses fully biodegradable burial garments and caskets. Green burials can take place in traditional, hybrid, or conservation cemeteries, offering a meaningful way to return to the earth. With costs comparable to traditional burial, it offers a simple and meaningful way to honor the departed.
What Makes Jewish Burial a Green Burial?
No Embalming
Biodegradable Garments
Bodies are washed and dressed in simple burial garments, typically made of linen or cotton. These materials are fully biodegradable. This process, called tahara, is both respectful and eco-conscious.
Sustainable Caskets
Jewish caskets adhere to strict standards to ensure they are Kosher. Kosher caskets must be fully biodegradable. These caskets are crafted from fast-growing materials like pine and assembled without metal, plastic, or toxic finishes.
Exploring Green Burial Options for Jewish Traditions
Green burial can be done by choosing alternative casket materials or burial plots in certified conservation cemeteries. For a directory of certified green sites, visit the Green Burial Council’s website for more information.
Alternative Caskets and Shrouds
While pine is a traditional choice, caskets made from bamboo or wicker can further reduce the carbon footprint. Some cemeteries will also allow for burials to take place without a casket, using a sturdy shroud instead.
Green Burial Certified Cemeteries
Opting for a burial plot in these cemeteries creates better ecosystems. These areas are intentionally seeded with native plants, avoiding typical cemetery landscaping. Memorial stones may be replaced with natural markers like stones or wooden plaques, blending into the environment and supporting conservation efforts.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact Plaza Funeral Director and Green Burial Specialist Lily Sage for more information.
