Green & Natural Burials
Simple. Sustainable. Sacred.
A green burial, sometimes called a natural burial, is a return to simplicity and harmony with the earth. Unlike traditional burials that use embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, a green burial allows the body to return naturally to the soil. The deceased is placed directly in the ground using a biodegradable shroud or casket, allowing nature to do what it’s always done — renew and restore.
At Pine Box, we believe this is one of the most meaningful ways to say goodbye — one that honours both the person and the planet. Our decade of experience has taught us that simplicity can be deeply healing, and that caring for the earth in death is one of the most beautiful legacies we can leave behind.
Why Choose a Green Burial
Environmental Responsibility
Green burials are a gentle alternative to modern burial practices. By avoiding chemicals and using biodegradable materials, they reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect the living systems that sustain us. For those who have lived with care for the earth, this is a final act of environmental respect — a way to leave a light footprint and a lasting impact.
Simplicity & Naturalness
There is something profoundly peaceful about returning to the earth in the way our ancestors once did. Green burials emphasize authenticity and connection — free from excess or complication. Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one is laid to rest in a way that reflects the natural rhythm of life, allowing space for remembrance, love, and reflection.
Cost-Effectiveness
Without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, green burials can be more affordable than traditional options. Natural burial grounds also tend to have lower maintenance costs, making this an accessible, sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on dignity or meaning.
Preservation of Natural Areas
Many natural burials take place in designated conservation lands — wild, living spaces filled with native grasses, trees, and birdsong. Each burial contributes to the preservation of these landscapes, creating sanctuaries for both remembrance and renewal. Choosing a green burial helps protect these sacred natural spaces for generations to come.
What to Expect with Our Green Burial Services
Every green burial at Pine Box is guided by compassion, clarity, and care. Our holistic approach ensures that each step — from preparation to ceremony — aligns with your values and honours your loved one’s life.
Here’s what you can expect:
Natural Burial Grounds: We work with cemeteries that maintain dedicated natural sections where the land remains undisturbed and allowed to flourish.
Biodegradable Caskets and Urns: We offer simple, eco-friendly options such as untreated wood caskets or biodegradable paper urns that return gently to the soil.
No Embalming: Green burials do not involve embalming or chemical preservation, which may affect service timelines — we’ll guide you through these details with care.
Minimal Markers: Instead of individual headstones, many green burial sites use communal markers or GPS mapping to honour each resting place while preserving the natural landscape.
No Flowers: To protect the local ecosystem, floral tributes — both fresh and artificial — are generally not permitted.
Personalized Services: Just like with all our offerings, green burials can be as intimate or as ceremonial as you wish — from a quiet family gathering to a full celebration of life.
What to Expect with Our Green Burial Services
Every green burial at Pine Box is guided by compassion, clarity, and care. Our holistic approach ensures that each step — from preparation to ceremony — aligns with your values and honours your loved one’s life.
Here’s what you can expect:
Natural Burial Grounds: We work with cemeteries that maintain dedicated natural sections where the land remains undisturbed and allowed to flourish.
Biodegradable Caskets and Urns: We offer simple, eco-friendly options such as untreated wood caskets or biodegradable paper urns that return gently to the soil.
No Embalming: Green burials do not involve embalming or chemical preservation, which may affect service timelines — we’ll guide you through these details with care.
Minimal Markers: Instead of individual headstones, many green burial sites use communal markers or GPS mapping to honour each resting place while preserving the natural landscape.
No Flowers: To protect the local ecosystem, floral tributes — both fresh and artificial — are generally not permitted.
Personalized Services: Just like with all our offerings, green burials can be as intimate or as ceremonial as you wish — from a quiet family gathering to a full celebration of life.
Planning a Green Burial
Planning a green burial is an opportunity to align your farewell with your values — a conscious act of love for both people and planet.
Here’s how we support you through the process:
Consult with Our Team: We’ll guide you through each step, from choosing biodegradable materials to selecting a green burial site that reflects your vision.
Discuss Your Preferences: Whether you’d like readings, rituals, or time for quiet reflection, we’ll help you create a ceremony that feels authentic and healing.
Share Your Wishes: We encourage open conversations with your family so that everyone understands your choices and feels supported.
Visit Local Cemeteries: We can help arrange visits to natural burial grounds in your area, so you can find a place that resonates with peace and belonging.
Rooted in Care
At Pine Box, we see death care as an extension of life care. A green burial is more than an environmental choice — it’s a return to honesty, tenderness, and connection.
It’s about giving back to the earth that has held us, nourishing the land even in death, and offering families a way to grieve that feels grounded and real.
We’re here to walk with you — gently, respectfully, and with the same love and reverence that guide all we do.