When it comes to end-of-life decisions, the financial aspects often weigh heavily on families. With the rising costs of traditional funerals, many are looking for ways to honor their loved ones while also keeping their finances in check.
One increasingly popular option is natural burials, which are not only eco-friendly but can also offer significant savings. But is choosing a natural burial truly a smart financial decision for families? Let’s explore the financial benefits and considerations that come with opting for a natural burial.
How Much Does a Natural Burial Cost?
A natural burial generally costs less than a traditional funeral. One of the key ways it saves money is by eliminating several costly elements of conventional burial practices:
- No Embalming Fees: Embalming is a common practice in traditional funerals, often costing anywhere from £100 to £1,000. This step is entirely skipped in a natural burial, making it a cost-saving choice.
- Biodegradable Caskets vs. Expensive Traditional Caskets: Traditional caskets, especially those made from metal or high-quality wood, can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000 or more. In contrast, natural burials use simpler, biodegradable caskets made of materials like wicker, cardboard, or even shrouds. These options are far less expensive, often costing between £100 and £500.
- Lower Burial Plot Costs: Traditional cemeteries can have steep prices for grave plots, often including maintenance fees for upkeep. Natural burial grounds, while still requiring land, tend to be more affordable because they require less maintenance and don’t involve the use of vaults, headstones, or elaborate landscaping.
What Are the Additional Savings?
In addition to the primary costs associated with natural burials, there are other potential savings for families:
- Reduced Funeral Home Fees: Traditional funerals often involve significant costs for services provided by funeral homes, including transportation, paperwork, and the services of funeral directors. In the case of a natural burial, families can often arrange everything independently, bypassing many of these service fees.
- Lower Administrative Costs: Natural burials generally involve less paperwork and fewer formalities, which can also reduce administrative costs associated with the funeral process.
- Simpler Memorialisation Options: Many families choose elaborate memorial services or gravestones for traditional burials. In contrast, natural burials often use simpler, natural markers like trees or flowers, which can be more affordable.
The Environmental Savings
While the financial benefits of natural burials are clear, they also provide long-term savings from an environmental perspective. These burials often take place in green spaces that are maintained in their natural state, requiring less maintenance and fewer resources than conventional cemeteries.
By choosing a green burial, families are contributing to land conservation and reducing the need for resources used in traditional burial processes. In the future, the shift towards eco-friendly burial options could also help reduce overall environmental costs, making natural burials an even more attractive financial choice as sustainability becomes a more pressing concern.
Choosing a Natural Burial Location for Your Family
Know the Traveling Distance
The main thing that people want for their family is convenience. The closer the natural burial location is to your family, the more they’re going to visit and enjoy the peace that this place has to offer. Indeed, they also get to feel closer to you.
Therefore, you have to consider the traveling distance for your loved ones. You want somewhere that’s nearby rather than halfway across the country. Thankfully, there are many natural burial locations popping up, which gives you a good choice.
Understand the Landscape
You also have to think about somewhere that your family will enjoy visiting. For example, if your loved ones adore meadows and the flowers that can grow, it makes sense to choose a natural burial location like this. It’s going to give them a lot of peace and comfort when they’re grieving.
Thus, don’t assume that every location is going to be the same. You should do your research and find a landscape that you and your family will love. It’s all about creating somewhere that can be utilized by your closest people.
Consider the Additions
There are some locations that allow you to personalize your plot. For example, you can plant a tree or flowers here. This can be something that you consider when you’re trying to choose a location. It’s a way to add comfort and beauty to your spot, which can help comfort your loved ones once you’re gone.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a natural burial, the financial benefits are clear. From lower casket costs and embalming fees to reduced funeral home charges, natural burials offer families a way to save money while also making an environmentally responsible choice.
While there are some potential extra costs to consider, such as limited site availability or travel expenses, the overall cost savings can be significant. Ultimately, for families looking to reduce funeral costs without compromising on the meaningfulness of the burial, natural burials are undoubtedly a smart financial decision.
