Other body burial arrangements

Embalming and Burial

Contrary to popular belief and to what an unscrupulous member of the funeral industry may tell you, embalming is rarely required before a body is to be buried.

Exceptions may include situations in which:

• The body is going to be transported by air or rail.
• There's a long period of time between the death and the time the burial takes place.
• Green burials

An increasing number of people are concerned about the effects traditional body burials have on the environment, given their use of formaldehyde-based embalming, metal caskets, and concrete burial vaults. Such people are opting for "green" burials that emphasize using only natural and biodegradable materials.

For more information on green burials, including cemeteries that offer them, see Green Burials. You can learn more and locate facilities at www.greenburialcouncil.org.

Handling the Burial on Your Own

Survivors who are willing and able to do so can hold a home funeral on their own or with the assistance of a home funeral practitioner. Some states require that a licensed funeral director be involved.

And home burial as an alternative to burial in a cemetery is allowed in most parts of the country, and quite common in rural areas, but it usually requires some minimum amount of acreage.

For more information, see "Caring for Your Own Dead" at the Funeral Consumers Alliance.