Green Burial

We are often asked for more information about Green Burial as an option for final disposition. At Goes Funeral Care, we offer several green burial options and are one of a select group of funeral providers certified by the Green Burial Council.

What is Green Burial?

Green Burial is a form of burial that is free from the use of formaldehyde-based embalming, metal caskets, and concrete burial vaults, providing a more natural return to the earth. It is the way humanity cared for its dead for thousands of years up until the late 19th century.

Green Burial Council Certification

The Green Burial Council is a nonprofit organization that encourages the use of Green Burial as a means of facilitating the restoration, acquisition, and stewardship of natural areas throughout the United States. It has been working since 2005 to make burial sustainable for the planet, meaningful for families, and economically viable for providers. They have emerged as the "gold standard" among consumers, land trusts, park service agencies as well the cemetery and funeral professions. Learn more about the Green Burial Council here.

As an approved Green Burial funeral care provider, we promote the Green Burial Council Standards and Methods and have earned the Council's Three-Leaf Rating.

• We offer the decedent's family the option of a public viewing without embalming.
• We offer various Green Burial Council approved burial containers/caskets.
• We are able to accommodate vigils without embalming.
• We offer temporary preservation of a decedent, using non-invasive techniques and materials.
  

Green Burial Locations in Colorado

• Colorado Burial Preserve & Cremation Garden: Nestled in the foothills near Florence, Colorado, the burial preserve is a Green Burial Council certified Natural Burial Ground. In addition to giving Coloradoans a more natural burial option, the preserve is dedicated to conservation and restoration of the land.
• Roselawn Cemetery: Goes Funeral Care was instrumental in the creation of a Hybrid Burial Ground here in Fort Collins. The hybrid model includes a designated area for green burial in a cemetery where traditional burial also takes place. Located at Roselawn Cemetery, this green burial area within the cemetery requires that a person's body be un-embalmed, placed in a biodegradable casket or shroud, and buried without a vault or outer burial container. Roselawn Cemetery (The City of Fort Collins) is certified with the Green Burial Council.
  
• Crestone: In the town of Crestone, and in the shadow of the Sangre De Cristo mountains, is the state’s first cemetery to become certified with the Green Burial Council. It is considered a hybrid burial ground.
• Evergreen Memorial Park: Evergreen Memorial Park is a family-owned and operated hybrid cemetery with a green burial section, nestled in the foothills of Evergreen, Colorado.
• Other Options: Burial on private land is allowed in some locations outside city limits. The City of Wellington also maintains a natural cemetery with no vault requirements. However, they are not certified with the Green Burial Council.

The Future of Green Burial

Green Burial is growing both internationally and inside the United States. Here at Goes Funeral Care, we are conscious of our impact on the environment and we work to minimize our footprint.

If you are interested in the concept of green burial, please call us to discuss what options might exist for you. We are here to help and support you in creating a meaningful funeral experience for you and your family.