News
November 25, 2025
This Ontario cemetery opened a green burial site. Here's what to know about natural death care
Guelph’s Woodlawn Memorial Park recently opened a new section dedicated to green burial.
Guelph's Woodlawn Memorial Park has taken a significant step towards eco-conscious end-of-life options by opening a new section exclusively for green burials. This move reflects a growing interest in natural death care, a practice that prioritizes environmental sustainability and minimal intervention in the decomposition process. But what exactly is a green burial, and why is it gaining popularity?
Unlike conventional burials, which often involve embalming fluids, elaborate caskets, and concrete vaults, green burials strive to return the body to the earth in the most natural way possible. At Woodlawn's new site, this means no embalming is permitted. Embalming fluids contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can leach into the soil and potentially contaminate groundwater.
Caskets are also a key consideration. Green burials typically utilize biodegradable coffins made from materials like wicker, bamboo, or sustainably harvested wood. Some families even opt for simple shrouds made of natural fibers. The goal is for everything placed in the earth to decompose naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new life.
Perhaps the most significant difference is the absence of burial vaults. These concrete or metal containers are designed to prevent the ground from settling, but they also impede the natural decomposition process. In a green burial, the body is interred directly into the earth, allowing it to return to nature's cycle.
The rise of green burials reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional funeral practices. Concerns about land use, resource consumption, and pollution are driving many to seek more sustainable alternatives. Beyond the environmental benefits, some find that green burials offer a more meaningful and personal connection to the earth and to the cycle of life and death.
Woodlawn Memorial Park's new section offers a serene and natural setting for those choosing this option. The cemetery plans to maintain the area with native plants and minimal landscaping, further enhancing its environmental integrity. The introduction of green burial options at Woodlawn provides residents of Guelph and the surrounding area with a valuable opportunity to align their final wishes with their environmental values. It is a poignant reminder that even in death, we can contribute to the health and well-being of our planet.
Unlike conventional burials, which often involve embalming fluids, elaborate caskets, and concrete vaults, green burials strive to return the body to the earth in the most natural way possible. At Woodlawn's new site, this means no embalming is permitted. Embalming fluids contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which can leach into the soil and potentially contaminate groundwater.
Caskets are also a key consideration. Green burials typically utilize biodegradable coffins made from materials like wicker, bamboo, or sustainably harvested wood. Some families even opt for simple shrouds made of natural fibers. The goal is for everything placed in the earth to decompose naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new life.
Perhaps the most significant difference is the absence of burial vaults. These concrete or metal containers are designed to prevent the ground from settling, but they also impede the natural decomposition process. In a green burial, the body is interred directly into the earth, allowing it to return to nature's cycle.
The rise of green burials reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional funeral practices. Concerns about land use, resource consumption, and pollution are driving many to seek more sustainable alternatives. Beyond the environmental benefits, some find that green burials offer a more meaningful and personal connection to the earth and to the cycle of life and death.
Woodlawn Memorial Park's new section offers a serene and natural setting for those choosing this option. The cemetery plans to maintain the area with native plants and minimal landscaping, further enhancing its environmental integrity. The introduction of green burial options at Woodlawn provides residents of Guelph and the surrounding area with a valuable opportunity to align their final wishes with their environmental values. It is a poignant reminder that even in death, we can contribute to the health and well-being of our planet.
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