Green Burials

Green burial tributes

Green burials, or natural burials, are a simple and natural means of burial that is an alternative to the “traditional” funeral and allows the burial site to remain as natural as possible. There is no embalming, and a burial vault is not used. Any materials used for the burial, including a casket or shroud, must be biodegradable.

Many people choose this burial option because it is a natural way to return to the earth. Green burials are earth-friendly options, and natural burial sites promote the growth of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. A green cemetery will allow nature to take its course.

Green burial tribute with traditional memorial services

Even with a non-traditional burial, you can still celebrate your loved one’s life with traditional services and even a closed casket visitation. Packages include the same Professional Services, staff, facilities, and merchandise included with our Traditional Burial Packages, with the exception of embalming, dressing, cosmetizing, and preparation. It provides the family with the option for closure while honoring the wishes of their loved one to have an alternative burial.

Full professional services:

Comprehensive care and coordination for every detail

  • All basic services of Funeral Director and staff

  • Transportation from place of death to Ryan Funeral Home

  • Staff and facilities for visitation and funeral service

  • Dressing / Cosmetizing / Casketing

  • Filing of all necessary permits and documentation

  • Coordination of all service details with clergy, newspaper, cemetery, etc.

  • Lead car / funeral coach / support vehicles

Included standard merchandise and other services:

Meaningful memorial items and personalized service essentials

  • Choice of burial shroud, pine box, or family provided casket or shroud

  • Register book

  • Memorial folders or prayer cards

  • Acknowledgment cards

  • Memorial candle

  • 12 laminated copies of obituary

  • Grief angel bears

  • Family photo boards

  • Cross or Crucifix

  • Tribute video production and keepsake DVD

  • Online obituary published on our website

Simple graveside service

Even with a non-traditional burial, you can still celebrate your loved one’s life with traditional services and even a closed casket visitation.

Packages include the same Professional Services, staff, facilities, and merchandise included with our Traditional Burial Packages, with the exception of embalming, dressing, cosmetizing, and preparation. It provides the family with the option for closure while honoring the wishes of their loved one to have an alternative burial.

Full professional services:

Comprehensive care and coordination for every detail

  • All basic services of Funeral Director and staff

  • Transportation from place of death to Ryan Funeral Home

  • Preparation and Care

  • Filing of all necessary permits and documentation

  • Coordination of all service details with clergy, newspaper, cemetery, etc.

  • Support vehicle

Included standard merchandise and other services:

Meaningful memorial items and personalized service essentials

  • Burial Shroud or Simple Pine Box

  • Laminated copies of obituary for immediate family

  • Memorial Candle

  • Online obituary publishing to funeral our website

Consider your options

Simple pine box

A simple pine box is an eco-friendly casket, crafted from untreated wood, designed for a green burial. It offers a natural, biodegradable option, aligning with sustainable practices while providing a dignified resting place.

Burial shroud

A burial shroud is an eco-friendly, biodegradable cloth used to wrap the body for a green burial. It provides a natural and simple option, honoring the earth with a minimal environmental impact while offering a dignified farewell.

What a green burial is and how to plan one

Learn more about green burials from Ryan's team.

Next steps for green burial arrangements

Get in touch with our team to learn more about our green burial options and to receive a funeral cost estimate.

Contact us