Traditional burial practices—with embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults—have a considerable environmental footprint. That's why families throughout the Lehigh Valley are increasingly exploring alternatives that honor their loved ones while protecting the earth.

Let's look at what makes each option environmentally friendly and what you should consider when deciding between cremation vs green burial.

Green burial takes a different approach to environmental stewardship. Instead of cremation, it focuses on returning the body to the earth as naturally as possible.

Complete Biodegradability: Bodies are placed directly in the earth or in biodegradable caskets made from materials like wicker, bamboo, or untreated wood. Everything breaks down naturally, enriching the soil.

Chemical-Free: Like cremation, green burial avoids embalming chemicals. Bodies are kept cool and buried relatively quickly, maintaining dignity without environmental harm.

Habitat Creation: Many green burial grounds double as nature preserves, allowing native plants and wildlife to thrive. Your final resting place becomes part of a living ecosystem.

Lower Carbon Footprint: Without cremation's energy requirements, green burial has virtually no carbon emissions. It's as close to a carbon-neutral option as you can get.

Meaningful Memorialization: Instead of traditional headstones, families might plant native trees or use natural stone markers, creating living memorials that grow and change over time.

Environmental benefits aside, many families appreciate that both options tend to be more affordable than traditional burial.

Cremation typically costs less because it eliminates expensive caskets, vaults, and burial plots. Green burial can also be budget-friendly, especially if you choose a simple biodegradable container and skip elaborate services.

The financial savings mean you can invest more in meaningful memorialization that truly honors your loved one's memory and values.

Whether you choose cremation or green burial, you're making a choice that reflects care for the environment and consideration for future generations. Both options allow you to leave a lighter footprint on the earth while still creating meaningful ways for loved ones to remember and honor you.

The most important thing is making a decision that feels right for you and your family. If you'd like to discuss your options or learn more about eco-friendly funeral planning, we invite you to contact Eastside Memorial Park. We're always here to answer your questions and help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

After all, your final arrangements should reflect the values you lived by—and caring for our planet is one of the most meaningful legacies you can leave behind.