WHAT IS NATURAL BURIAL?
The Most Environmentally Sound Choice
A natural burial is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial that forgoes harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials. Natural burial, commonly known as green burial, takes place in a meadow or woodland, putting the planet and people first.
There are many reasons to choose a natural (green) burial, notably the environmental benefits, and relative affordability when compared to other options. A place where wild flowers grow and wildlife dwells. A place of quiet contemplation in harmony with nature.
Costs
Overall, natural burial costs can be much less than traditional burial, reducing financial stress in a difficult time. In addition to helping reduce carbon emissions and protecting the environment, you could save more than 80% (5).
Traditional Burial
Traditional burial causes a host of environmental problems: embalming chemicals leaching into the groundwater, polluting the soil and harming surrounding wildlife. Even traditional coffins, which are often made of tropical hardwoods like teak and mahogany and lined with steel, use precious natural resources and do not biodegrade.
A traditional burial produces on average 833kg of CO2, that’s roughly 2,485 miles by car
Studies have found CO2 emissions for traditional burial are roughly 3.6x that of cremation, while green burial can be climate positive. (1)
A traditional burial ground puts an average 4,500 litres of formaldehyde-based embalming fluid in the earth every year. (2)
Embalmers are eight times more likely to suffer from leukaemia than the general population, and three times more likely to suffer from ALS. (3)
At Tithe Green, we do things differently.
Our natural burial grounds are beautiful places to remember your loved ones, connect with nature, and celebrate the continuing cycle of life.
Owned by the Sherbrooke family for nearly 500 years, and first opened as a natural burial ground in 1999 – making it one of the oldest in the UK – we are dedicated to conservation and preserving the land for future generations.
GIVING BACK TO NATURE
We take measures to protect and improve local habitats, by raising colonies of bees to encourage the pollination of wildflowers, and having wildflower-planting days.
GREEN PRODUCTS
We only allow biodegradable coffins and shrouds, and our memorial plaques are carved from Welsh slate rather than overseas marble.
PLANTING OF TREES
We plant trees native to the Midlands for you to remember your loved ones. These protect the local ecosystem’s biodiversity and prevents soil erosion, while absorbing up to 40kg a year in CO2 (roughly 93 miles in a petrol-powered car). (4)