As the baby boomers age and the environmentalists among them come to grips with their mortality, the concept of a funeral changes. In Merrillville, IN, funeral homes are becoming more aware of a new trend - the green burial or the green funeral. This does not refer to cremation. Instead, it draws upon a preference for reducing the effect a death will have on the physical environment. This includes "Green Burials" occurring without embalming, in simplified caskets (often cardboard or bamboo) and in specialized cemeteries.

While, in Merrillville, IN, funeral homes are beginning to address the issues, green burials remain part of the future. Instead, a different approach will help make the entire burial process more environmentally friendly.

Merrillville, IN Funeral Services

When it comes to making your or the departed's funeral green, consider your options carefully. Research the topic of green burials and deal with a funeral services provider who is an expert on the subject and on local state legislation.

Once you have done the initial research, talk to a qualified funeral director. They can confirm or refute what you have heard, read or know about the practice in Merrillville, IN. Funeral homes are the ideal place to look. They can help you find the way to create the perfect service to meet anyone's needs. They are also aware of what can and cannot be done in the state of Merrillville, IN.

Green Burial in Merrillville, IN- Restrictions

When it comes to Green Burials, you will find several different restrictions or obstacles can affect upon your decision. These include state, personal and existent.

• State Legislation
  
  Two specific items refer to the anti-green burial practice of embalming. The state requires a body be embalmed if it is to be transported across state lines. This is recorded in Administrative Code Chapter 420-7-1 Vital Statistics Table Of Contents 420-7-1-.01. The state also demands if a body is not to be buried within 36 hours, it must be embalmed.
• Personal
  
  Often family members will go against the personal wishes of an individual. No matter what you, he or she write in a will regarding how to dispose of the body, this may NOT be the final say. This is up to the heirs and the executors of the will. Try to make sure everyone is on board with the decision to make the funeral as green as possible.
• Existing conditions
  
  Merrillville, IN funeral homes may want to help with a green burial, but existing circumstances may restrict the extent of the role they can play. There is a lack of services, specifically a cemetery certified by the GBC.

The Alternative - Greening Merrillville, IN Funeral Services

If it is not possible to hold a completely Green Burial, consider making many aspects as environmentally friendly as possible. Talk to several Merrillville, IN funeral homes before you decide specifically on the details. Consider the following suggestions as some of the best options possible.

• Funeral Programs: When it comes to designing and printing the programs, look to recycled paper and ink. The same applies to hymn sheets and other related printed material
• Flowers: If you have to have flowers, do not purchase imports or the rare and exotic plants. Stick to local, in-season, organic flowers
• Processions: Rather than form a long, funeral line of single cars containing one or two people, be bold and carpool. This also applies to going from secular or religious location to any other place during the funeral
• Refreshments: If the deceased was a vegetarian, an environmentalist or simply someone who wanted to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible, try to obtain food that reflects this taste. If you want to go completely green, avoid the imported or transported. Make sure all refreshments are organic or, at least, local

A Touch of Green

These are small ways to make large or small Merrillville, IN funeral services more environmentally friendly. There are other ways - small and large, to add a touch of green. Merrillville, IN funeral homes have often suggested them as a practical measure. In fact, a very common method of remembering loved ones just happens to be green. Instead of a quarried and carved marble or limestone headstone, why not plant a living or natural memorial. Is a tree not a wonderful way to honour the deceased? If the cemetery does not permit this, ask about a bush or some type of bushy plant. However, be sure to consult with the funeral director, the cemetery officials and a nursery about what will best suit the climate and soil conditions before you make your decision.

The Benefits of Greening Merrillville, IN Funeral Services

To environmentally minded individuals having as green a burial as possible is their final wish. It is possible. Consult Merrillville, IN funeral homes. They can help make this desire a reality.