Green Burial
Green Burial in Asheville, NC
Are you looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to honor a life?
Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, North Carolina, offers a serene space for green burials (also known as natural burials). We provide a beautiful, peaceful alternative that supports the natural ecosystem of our western North Carolina landscape, serving families throughout Asheville, Candler, Canton, Clyde, and Waynesville.
What is a Green Burial?
Green burial, also called natural burial, is simply an earth-friendly way to be laid to rest. It avoids using things that can harm the environment, keeping the process clean and simple. This means we skip the usual toxic chemicals, like embalming fluid, and instead of using heavy metal or concrete vaults, we allow the body to return naturally to the soil. For the container, only items that are easily biodegradable are used—like a simple cloth wrapping or a plain wooden box, made from sustainable materials such as pine or bamboo. Essentially, green burial is about making your final wishes sustainable, beautiful, and natural, ensuring the resting place supports the health of the land.
Green Burial Basics:
- No Toxic Chemicals: Embalming is replaced by natural refrigeration or immediate burial.
- Biodegradable Caskets & Shrouds: We require the use of caskets made from sustainable materials like pine, wicker, or bamboo, or a simple natural linen shroud.
- No Vaults: Traditional concrete or steel burial vaults are not used, allowing for direct contact with the soil.
- Natural Grave Markers: Graves are marked by a simple, flat stone or a natural fieldstone that blends into the environment, maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
Why Choose Forest Lawn for a Natural Burial?
We understand that choosing an environmentally friendly farewell is important, which is why our special section is managed to the highest standard. We are not just offering a simple burial; we are offering a chance to be part of a living, protected memorial. Our compassionate team handles every detail, ensuring the process is respectful, seamless, and completely aligned with your wishes for a clean, simple, and sustainable way to return to the earth.
Green Burial FAQs
Is a green burial legally recognized in North Carolina?
Yes, green burial is a legally recognized and accepted practice in North Carolina.
Are there headstones or markers?
To maintain the natural aesthetic of the grounds, grave markers are typically flat, unpolished fieldstones or simple, eco-friendly plaques that lie flush with the ground.
Can we still have a service or visitation?
Absolutely. We work with families to arrange meaningful natural funeral services at the graveside that honor the deceased while respecting the commitment to sustainability.
Do I have to purchase a special plot?
Yes, plots in our designated green burial section are specifically managed for this purpose. Please contact us to discuss plot availability and pre-planning options.
What areas do you serve?
While our park is located in Candler, we are the leading choice for those seeking green burial in Buncombe County (Asheville, Candler) and Haywood County (Canton, Clyde, Waynesville).
Visit Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Candler, NC or call us at
(828) 667-8715 to learn about our green burial options.
