Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why chose green burial over conventional burial?
The green burial movement is giving way to a rapidly growing industry. You may have recently come a crossed one of the many new books, watched a spot on the news, or stumbled upon a magazine article on the topic. The overarching theme is that the environment is in a fragile state and that we, both as a society and as individuals, need to make every effort to curb our impact, even in death. With mounting research about the toxic emissions from crematoriums, and the waste produced by traditional funerals, burial in biodegradable encasements is an increasingly attractive option.
Choosing Green burial is one way we can minimize our environmental impact. It saves resources and can also be less expensive. It allows for a more natural decomposition process that can be beneficial to other life.It is estimated that around 2,420,000 people die each year in America alone.

In the coming years we can expect to bury 76 million baby boomers. As is, the American funeral industry buries the following (per year):

+ Close to 830,000 gallons of embalming fluid

+ 30,000,000 board feet of hardwood lumber

+ More than 100,000 tons of steel (that is more than the 73,000 tons used to build the Golden Gate bridge)

+ 10 tons of copper and brass

+ 1,500,000 tons of reinforced concrete (that's enough to build a two lane highway from Detroit to New York)

2. Is embalming mandatory?
No! With the exception of special cases, embalming is not mandatory. Embalming is a choice. It is decided upon by the deceased, or there family. Embalming can not be preformed with out the families permission. It is not necessary, and only serves to slow the decomposition process temporarily. Refrigeration is usually an acceptable alternative. Embalming is more or less standard practice, but can be avoided in most cases. It is usually done when a viewing is requested, or the desised is being transported via common carrier. In fact, embalming used to be considered sacrilege by most of Christian America until the Civil war.

3. Is it possible to still have a viewing with out embalming?
In Oregon, human remains must be either refrigerated (below 36* F) or embalmed within twenty-four hours of death. If refrigeration is chosen, remains can be removed from refrigeration for a period of up to six hours. If the viewing can be held within this time frame, a viewing is acceptable.

4. Can these caskets be used for cremation?
Yes. Our caskets are perfectly suited for cremation as well as burial.

5. Can I get a custom built casket or Urn?
Sure, with proper notification, we would be happy to build you exactly what you require. Just ask.

6. Can I use these caskets at a conventional cemetery?
Yes you can. Or you can find a green burial site by looking at the website for the Green Burial Council. You can find there web address listed in the "Resources" page of our website.

7. Can I buy a casket directly, and not through a funeral home?
Yes you can, and it is good to know that under the FTC Funeral Rule,"the funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere"

8. What is the FTC Funeral Rule?
The Funeral Rule is Federal law, that is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. The funeral Rule is designed as a way of protecting the consumer and ensuring that they only have to purchase what they need and want (and nothing that they don't want) from funeral providers. The Funeral Rule can be very helpful and is certainly worth reading so that you know your rights.

9. Is it legal to bury my loved one on my personal property?
It is legal in Oregon, there is not a state law that prohibits burial on private property. Every state (and county) is different, so it is important to check local laws. If you are considering a home funeral, contact a home funeral practitioner, or speak with a licensed funeral director.

10. What is the Forest Stewardship Council?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization that provides certification to companies that sell timber and forest products. Companies that hold there certification are held to standards that require them to practice responsible forest management. These companies should practice forestry as environmental friendly as possible.

11. What is the Green Burial Council?
The Green Burial Council is an amazing resource for all things green burial. They are a non-profit organization who's mission is to set the standards that guide the green burial movement. There certification program covers products, burial grounds, service providers, and cremation disposition programs.

11. How do I determine urn size?
Urn sizing is generally measured in cubic inches. There are several ways to determine the size of the urn needed. Measuring the cremation ashes in the temporary container is the most accurate.

length x width x depth of ashes inside container = required cubic inches

If you are determining the urn size without the ashes available there is a formula that can help you get an easy estimate of the proper size. The formula is not perfect, but it generally provides a safe estimate. 1 lb. of body weight = slightly less than 1 cubic inch of urn space