Green Burial

There are certain stipulations that are required for a burial to be considered Green:

• The body cannot be embalmed, and no preservation methods are used in a Green Burial. Instead, we remove any plastics as well as any non-biodegradable materials or wrappings in favour of a natural cotton or linen cloth placed within the casket.
• Direct Earth Burial, this refers to the fact that no grave liner or vault is used in the burial, allowing for maximum contact of the earth with the casket.
• The casket used for the burial cannot contain any metals, lacquers, harsh glues, or chemicals. It can only have interiors made of natural materials so that all elements of the casket can decompose.
• We are happy to be able to work with Northern Casket in Lindsay, Ontario to be able to provide our families with access to their Enviro-Casket^TM line, the only green alternative to traditional caskets. 
• Choosing a local casket provider also allows us to reduce the carbon footprint usually associated with the shipping and transportation of traditional funeral caskets.
• Traditionally, the burial plot is also shallower in a Green Burial. This is where the highest concentration of good bacteria lives that will help the decomposition process begin.

• Returning their loved one to the earth in the most natural way possible.
• Reducing a carbon footprint, water consumption, and chemical pollutants.
• Green Burial Cemeteries act as a way to preserve natural flora and fauna, allowing a space for native plants and flowers to thrive.
• A return to burials as they were traditionally performed. For hundreds of years, a simple earth burial was performed as a dignified, effective, and respectful form of disposition.
• A purposeful, meaningful choice. Rather than being a “low-cost, budget-driven choice,” the choice of green burial can express a family’s values related to environmental responsibility and global sustainability.

St. Stephen’s Cemetery
2072 Buckslide Road Algonquin Highlands, Ontario

Currently, St. Stephen’s Cemetery is the only cemetery in the Haliburton Highlands that has a specific section dedicated to Green Burials.

For more information on Green Burials please feel free to contact us.

We would be more than happy to make an appointment with you to answer your questions and discuss your options with you.

Yes, you can absolutely pre-arrange for a green burial, doing so ensures your final wishes are carried out exactly as you intend. Pre-planning not only gives you peace of mind but also eases the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones at the time of need.

There are many options available when it comes to green burials and the type of service you can have. Whether you prefer a simple graveside ceremony, a memorial service, or an eco-conscious celebration of life, pre-arranging allows you to explore these choices in advance and select what best reflects your values.

When thinking about pre-arranging a green burial, there are a few key things to consider:

• Make Your Wishes Known:
 Whenever possible, we recommend that you clearly state your burial preferences in your Will or other legal documents. This ensures that your intentions are understood and respected by your family and estate representatives.
• Meet with a Funeral Director:
 A Licensed Funeral Director can guide you through all available options for green burial and help you understand the process. They can:
• Provide resources to help start meaningful discussions with your loved ones.
• Offer a transparent cost breakdown and outline pre-payment options.
• Ensure your end-of-life wishes are recorded and will be honored when the time comes.

Choosing a green burial is a deeply personal and meaningful decision — one that reflects your commitment to reducing your environmental impact. By taking the time to pre-arrange, you handle the necessary research and planning now, ensuring that your family won’t need to make these difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Pre-Purchasing Cemetery Plots:
Recent regulatory changes have made it possible to pre-purchase burial plots in the Green Burial Section of St. Stephen’s Cemetery. This option allows you to secure your resting place in advance and guarantees that your wishes for a natural, sustainable burial can be fulfilled.

We’re here to help you understand and plan a green burial that reflects your loved one’s wishes. From explaining local options to coordinating with green burial grounds, our goal is to make the process clear, respectful, and comforting every step of the way.

We’re proud to support the efforts of the Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society, a local organization dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging sustainable, environmentally friendly burial practices. Their work has helped make green burial more accessible to families in our community.

Choosing green burial is more than an environmental decision. It’s a heartfelt way to give back to the earth that sustained us. It’s a return to simplicity, to peace, and to the natural rhythm of life.