Green Funeral Options

Eco-Friendly Funeral Options

Today's families are becoming increasingly aware of eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial and cremation.

Green Burial

Natural burial grounds, cemeteries, and preserves all seek to bury without impediment. That means no embalming, no liners or vaults, and using biodegradable containers, whether caskets, shrouds or nothing at all. These cemeteries are operated by a variety of owners: municipal governments, religious groups, individuals, nonprofits, for-profits, and others. Often these burial grounds are designated natural because they may not be directly affiliated with or in partnership with a land trust or other conservation entity; but they most likely are committed to following conservation best practices nonetheless. Natural burial cemeteries strive to provide rich experiences for families and friends amidst careful restoration and maintenance of the land and its inhabitants, both above and below ground. 

Cemeteries in Northern Illinois that offer green burials

Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary

7014 S. Rawson Bridge Rd. Cary IL 60013

Phone: (847) 462-4490

 

Casper Creek Natural Cemetery

870 S. Pilot Knob Rd., Galena, IL 61036

Phone: (815) 677-3411
Email: caspercreeknc@gmail.com

Flameless Cremation

In addition to burial at a natural cemetery, we are proud to offer Flameless Cremation - a gentle and green choice that uses water instead of fire to return the body to nature. The scientific name for Flameless Cremation is alkaline hydrolysis which is essentially an accelerated form of natural breakdown. This process uses 85% less energy than a traditional flame cremation, with no air pollutants or other harmful emissions released.

Green Funeral Options FAQ's

  • Is it safe for the environment?

    Yes. The process is about 95% water and 5% alkali. The alkalis used are found in common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams, and many household products. The sterile process does not release harmful emissions or air pollutants, neutralizes embalming fluids and pathogens, thereby protecting the earth's water, soil and air from pollution.

  • What about the funeral ceremony?

    You may still have a traditional funeral with a wake and service at Hultgren Funeral Home. We offer families an environmentally friendly flameless cremation option along with a traditional wake and service. Certified Green embalming chemicals can be used for an open casket viewing prior to the cremation.

  • How does it work?

    To begin the process the body is gently placed within a sterile stainless steel vessel. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity is used to accelerate the natural course of breakdown accomplished by our eco-system at the end of life. When the cycle is completed, the body has been returned to its natural form, dissolved in water. The only solid remains are the mineral ash of the bones.

  • Will I receive my loved one's ashes?

    Yes. Similar to flame cremation, the bone ash remains are returned to the family to keep in an urn, entombed, cemetery burial or scattered in a special place as some families choose to do. The cremated remains are lighter in color because it is clean and without carbon discoloration.

  • Why is it better?

    When compared to flame cremation, flameless cremation uses less energy and releases no smoke, mercury emissions or particulate matter into the atmosphere.

  • Who supports it?

    This process is not new. Trusted institutions have chosen this process for bodies donated to medical science for many years. The well-known MAYO Clinic has used alkaline hydrolysis since 2006.


    Contact us to find out more by phone (630-668-0027) or e-mail us.