Green funerals are not as common, but they are growing in popularity and represent a sensible and ecologically sound alternative to a conventional burial.

It is only fitting that the generation that encouraged us question authority and brought us free sex, Earth Day, and organic foods is also shaking things up on the subject of death, especially their own. In what is seen as a small but growing movement in this country, Baby Boomers are increasingly forsaking the traditional means of burial and choosing instead to go green.

In the past, cremation was considered the most eco-friendly choice in funerals because of space considerations. But recent concern over fossil fuel consumption, not to mention air pollution, has moved the green, or natural, burial to the head of the environmentally-friendly class.

Going green is easily the next step in human evolution, it’s undeniably benevolent and with the consistent measures of steam it’s managing to generate, it’s with great purpose too. For many years people believed that embalming was necessary to preserve the totality of health on earth in regards to our dead. This is simply false. That is the first reason why you should consider a green funeral as an alternative measure for your ultimate decent into earth. Green funerals are initially, simply, essentially good for the environment, but likewise it’s also good for the remaining economy of your family.

Another argument could be, “if you avoided putting deadly toxins in your body during life, what impulses you to do it in death?” I know, so retaining the ability to decide encourages you to maintain preservation of earth and to allow yourself to be another part of creation in it, just as you were in birth, unless you simply prefer to become the embodiment of death on earth with a metaphorically red funeral.

When a loved one passes on, survivors are typically left to deliberate on how to proceed and pay for a funeral service.  Decisions like having a traditional funeral service vs. cremation (or donation), an earth burial or a memorial, flowers, reception, burial plot, pastor or speakers, reception hall ... and other related decisions (and the costs associated with decisions continue on). 

An average a funeral service in the United States (which includes a casket) is aproximately $5,500.  The break down in price will range depending on location and the size of the particular funeral home.  But there are typically four major costs to consider in a traditional funeral service:

• Professional Funeral Director Services
• Casket Costs
  
• On Behalf Of… expenses
• Cemetery and Memorial Costs

Professional Funeral Director Service:  Avg. Cost - $2,600 to $3,000

The actual professional services may include being on call at all times, (funeral staff are trained to be ready to assist at any time, on any day.)  Staff service will include response to the first call, transporting of the loved one to the funeral home, meeting with the family to comfort and discuss the funeral service and product selections and outlining the cost associated with each. 

A completed service from arrangements to follow-ups requires between 60 to 70 people hours.  Preparing the deceased for viewing, embalming, washed, dressed, beatification, and constructive restoration when needed will also be a factorized into cost. All services must come together in which the director will see to coordinating of visitation and funeral services.  These services may include arranging of the priest, rabbi, or spiritual leader, florists, musicians and transportation between funeral home – place of worship – and cemetery.  The funeral director must be conscious of funeral services or burials taking place elsewhere. 

Administrative cost will include completing the required documents such as death certificate, funeral directors certificate of death, permit for disposition, and a clergy record, and any other forms relating to cremation services.  Staff reasonability’s may also include informing radio stations and newspapers of the death.   Along with a fee to use the funeral home facilities and equipment become the biggest service cost factors. 

If you are interested in pre-paying or discussing pre-needs, feel free to complete a non-obligation Pre-Need Application. 

Casket Costs:  Avg. cost $2,400 to $2,800. 

Average casket costs for a typical, lined wooden casket range from $2,400 - $3,000 or more.  Additional features such as vacuum seals, metal caskets, silk liners and more can increase casket costs to well over $10,000.

"On behalf-of" Expenses:  Avg. $750

Expenses for services not provided directly by the funeral parlor, but are paid for by the funeral parlor can be called out of pocket expenses.  Funeral Directors do this on behalf of the family, for convenience to the family and are included at cost and itemized on the invoice.  The average cost for these expenses are around $750.00  and include flowers, bouquet’s, hair beautician, musician, clergy, and legal filing.     

Cemetery and Memorial Cost:    Vary by location

You must purchase a plot, and depending on whether the cemetery is operated by public, private or religious organization whether the location is rural or urban environment will vary in charges.  The cost of opening and closing will be quoted in final fee.