Think an environmentally-friendly and meaningful farewell is out of reach?
Think an environmentally-friendly and meaningful farewell is out of reach?Think again.
In Part 2 of our series we’ll break down common misconceptions and show how natural burial isn’t just better for the earth—it’s a more accessible and affordable choice too.
In the first post of this two-part series, we explored how traditional burial practices pose a public health risk to both people and nature. But, public health is about more than just the physical environment; it’s also about ensuring equitable access to resources and services for all members of society. From this perspective, the high cost of conventional after-death care creates a significant public health issue, as it disproportionately affects economically marginalized communities. In this second installment, we will examine how natural burial offers a meaningful and dignified funeral that is not only a healthy choice for the earth but also an accessible and more affordable option.
The significant costs associated with end-of-life care can create a major barrier to accessibility, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status (SES). These high costs make it less likely that they can engage in proactive financial planning for funeral services. Compounding these issues, factors like a lack of access to educational opportunities and geographic barriers in low-SES neighborhoods can leave many families feeling disempowered and without a meaningful choice, as final disposition decisions are often made out of necessity rather than reflecting the person’s wishes. This is a tragic reality where the treatment of the poor in death often mirrors their experiences in life, stripping the handling of their deceased of any sacredness or individualized respect.
But what if there was an option that was not only meaningful and environmentally friendly, but also less expensive? At Larkspur, we believe a meaningful farewell should not be a financial burden.
Natural burial eliminates the need for unnecessary, expensive products and services often required in traditional funerals, such as embalming and costly monuments and caskets. Instead, a person is laid to rest in a simple, biodegradable casket or shroud that ensures the body returns to the earth naturally. These can include:
- All-natural cotton shrouds
- Woven willow baskets
- Simple, soft wooden caskets that are free from harmful varnishes or metals
This approach not only honors the person’s final wishes but also makes dignified final arrangements a more accessible choice.
Ultimately, making respectful and meaningful after-death care more accessible is a crucial component of public health. As a non-profit conservation burial ground, Larkspur provides a unique model where your final arrangements become a part of a much larger mission.
Your burial fee not only covers the costs of a simple and meaningful service but also directly funds the long-term conservation of land. This ensures your choice is a healthy and sustainable one for the planet, while also providing a truly accessible and affordable funeral option for many families.