Natural Burial: The Process of Returning to the Earth in a Sustainable Farewell

Prout Funeral Home: A Sustainable Farewell

We understand the profound balance between honoring loved ones and nurturing the planet at Prout Funeral Home. Our natural burial services offer a poignant, eco-friendly way to bid adieu. Most importantly, by opting for this type of burial you actively contribute to preserving nature’s resources and minimizing the carbon footprint tied to conventional burial practices.

Understanding the Serenity of Natural Burial

In sustainable burial, the body finds its final resting place without embalming chemicals or other non-biodegradable elements. Instead, a fully biodegradable coffin or shroud cradles it, enabling a serene and eco-friendly return to the embrace of nature. The duration of this process varies, as environmental factors like soil composition, moisture levels, and individual conditions influence it.

Since typically an eco-conscious burial allows the body to merge with the Earth within a span of several weeks to months, over time, the organic matter of the body gradually decomposes, naturally reintegrating with the Earth. Simultaneously, the soil receives a nourishing infusion of essential nutrients and ultimately supporting plant growth. In conclusion, this unfolding journey back to the Earth occurs naturally, enriching the soil with vital nutrients and the cycle of life. In this way, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life forms and the harmonious sustenance of our planet.

Why Opt for Natural Burial with Prout Funeral Home?

  • An Eco-Friendly Legacy: Leave behind a legacy of care and responsibility towards our environment.
  • A Tranquil Resting Place: Natural burial grounds offer serene, natural surroundings for eternal repose.
  • Affordability and Simplicity: Compared to traditional burials, sustainable burials often offer a simpler, more cost-effective way to say farewell.
  • Aligning with Personal Values: For those with a deep reverence for nature, natural burial resonates with their beliefs and principles.

Exploring Natural Burial Cemeteries

Discover these serene sanctuaries for natural burial:

 

Choosing What’s Right for You: A Personal Decision Guided by Prout Funeral Home

At Prout Funeral Home, we respect the deeply personal decision between eco-friendly burial options and cremation. Our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you based on your values, preferences, and environmental concerns. We are here to facilitate detailed discussions on both options, address your questions, and assist you in making an informed choice that truly honors your loved ones.

In the end, throughout each tender farewell by natural burial, we find a thread connecting generations, as well as a a testament to love and an ode to the gentle grace of the Earth. As we bid farewell to our loved ones, we simultaneously embrace the natural cycle of life and ensure that the legacy of environmental consciousness endures for years to come.

Reach Out to Prout Funeral Home: Begin Your Journey of Farewell

In sum, we believe in simplifying preplanning for you. As such, you can start the process from the comfort of your home by reaching out here. Similarly, for in-person assistance or more direct and personal assistance, feel free to call us at (973) 239-2060.

Contact us today to explore how our natural burial services can help you create a profound, meaningful, and sustainable farewell for your cherished ones.

Natural Burial vs. Cremation: Making an Informed Choice

Prout Funeral Home is committed to providing compassionate and environmentally conscious burial solutions. Whether you choose natural burial or cremation, we are here to support you throughout the decision-making process. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your values, beliefs, and the unique wishes of your loved one. Trust in our expertise and empathy as we guide you in creating a farewell that honors their memory and respects your desires for an environmentally responsible choice.

Comparing Natural Burial and Cremation: 

Natural Burial: 
Natural burial is an eco-friendly option that emphasizes the return of the body to the Earth in its most natural form. It involves laying the deceased to rest in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, allowing for natural decomposition and integration with the environment. Natural burial supports the regeneration of the Earth and preserves natural resources and spaces, making it an environmentally sustainable choice.

Cremation:
Cremation, on the other hand, involves the process of reducing the body to ash through intense heat. It is a quicker method and offers flexibility in terms of memorialization options, such as scattering the ashes or keeping them in an urn. Cremation also eliminates the need for land usage, making it suitable for those who prefer a more minimalist approach.

Factors to Consider:

  • Environmental Impact: Natural burial has a minimal environmental impact as it promotes the restoration of natural ecosystems and the preservation of land. It allows the body to naturally return to the Earth, contributing to the regeneration of the Earth. Cremation, while reducing land usage, does involve energy consumption and emissions associated with the cremation process.
  • Personal Connection: Natural burial provides a more direct connection with the Earth and the concept of life cycle renewal. It allows for a peaceful integration of the body into the natural environment. Cremation, on the other hand, offers versatility in memorialization options, allowing families to keep the ashes close or scatter them in a meaningful location.
  • Spiritual connection:The process of natural burial fulfills a visceral need for ritual, making it relevant not only to those with religious beliefs but also to those who may identify as more spiritual. Rituals are central to the human spirit and integral to the grieving process, filling a gap that is often left with a direct cremation.
  • Family Involvement: Natural burial allows families to be as involved in the process as they wish to be. Many families choose to actively participate by washing, shrouding, or dressing the decedent in preparation for burial, especially in the context of natural burials. This hands-on involvement can offer a healing element, particularly for families who were actively engaged in taking care of their loved one throughout the dying process.

Choosing the Right Option for You: 

At Prout Funeral Home, we understand that the decision between natural burial and cremation is deeply personal. We offer compassionate guidance and support to help you navigate this choice based on your values, preferences, and environmental considerations. Our experienced team is available to discuss both options in detail, answer your questions, and assist you in making an informed decision that best honors your loved one.

Connect with Prout Funeral Home: 

If you would like to explore natural burial or cremation options further, or if you have any questions, please reach out to our caring team at Prout Funeral Home. We are here to assist you and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions.

At Prout Funeral Home, we understand the importance of preplanning and strive to make the process as simple as possible for you. Whether you prefer to begin the pre-planning process from the comfort of your own home by completing the form or would like to start in person, we are here to help. Simply call us at (973) 239-2060, and our compassionate staff will be ready to assist you.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in creating a meaningful and personalized farewell for your loved one.

Natural Burial: Exploring Costs, Locations, and Eco-Friendly Options

Welcome to Prout Funeral Home, where we offer compassionate and environmentally conscious burial solutions. If you are considering a natural burial, you may have questions about the cost, availability in different states, and the possibility of burial without a casket. In this section, we will address commonly asked questions regarding natural burial in the US.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Natural Burial in the US?

The cost of a natural burial can vary depending on several factors, including the location, cemetery fees, and the specific services chosen. Generally, natural burials tend to be more affordable compared to traditional burial methods. While it’s challenging to provide an exact figure, the cost typically ranges from a few thousand to several thousand dollars. At Prout Funeral Home, we offer Natural Burial Packages to accommodate a range of budgets. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and receive a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs.

What States Offer Natural Burials? 

Natural burial options are increasingly available in many states across the US. Some states, such as New Jersey, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington, have a higher number of natural burial sites and cemeteries. However, the availability of natural burial grounds may vary within each state. Prout Funeral Home can assist you in identifying natural burial locations in your desired state and provide guidance on the availability and regulations associated with natural burials in that area.

A Perspective on Cost-Effective Burial Options

When it comes to cost-effective burial options, an immediate burial is often considered the most economical choice. However, we recognize that families seeking sustainable and natural options are willing to invest in a farewell that reflects their values and way of life. For them, it’s not just about the price, but about honoring their loved ones in a manner that resonates with their beliefs.

Balancing Values with Budget

We have observed that there’s some overlap between eco-conscious and cost-conscious consumers. While some individuals prioritize both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness, others place a higher emphasis on their values and the eco-friendliness of the options available.

A Case in Point: A Holistic Farewell

 

Connect with Prout Funeral Home: 

If you have further questions about the cost, availability, or specific requirements for natural burials, our family is here to assist you.

Contact us today to learn more about our natural burial services, explore pricing options, and receive personalized services and guidance in planning a meaningful and eco-friendly farewell for your loved one.

Natural Burial Cemeteries

Choosing the Right Option for You: 

At Prout Funeral Home, we understand that the decision between natural burial and cremation is deeply personal. We offer compassionate guidance and support to help you navigate this choice based on your values, preferences, and environmental considerations. Our experienced team is available to discuss both options in detail, answer your questions, and assist you in making an informed decision that best honors your loved one.

Connect with Prout Funeral Home: 

If you would like to explore natural burial or cremation options further, or if you have any questions, please reach out to our caring team at Prout Funeral Home. We are here to assist you and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions.

Eco-Friendly Funerals: Sustainable Farewell Options

Prout Funeral Home is committed to providing compassionate and eco-friendly funeral solutions. Whether you are interested in understanding the most environmentally friendly funeral options, making a funeral eco-friendly, finding affordable eco-friendly choices, or exploring alternatives to traditional cremation, we are here to support you. Trust in our expertise and dedication to sustainability as we guide you in creating a farewell that honors your loved one’s memory while preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.

What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly Funeral?

The most environmentally friendly funeral options prioritize sustainability and minimize the impact on the Earth. Natural burial is often considered the most eco-friendly choice. It involves interring the body in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, allowing it to naturally return to the Earth. Natural burial supports ecosystem regeneration and reduces the use of embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials commonly associated with traditional burials.

How Do You Make a Funeral Eco-Friendly?

There are several ways to make a funeral eco-friendly and reduce its environmental footprint. Consider the following practices:

What are cost-effective Eco-Friendly Funeral Options?

Eco-friendly funeral options can vary in cost, but there are affordable choices available. Natural burial is often more cost-effective compared to traditional burial methods. By eliminating embalming, elaborate caskets, and concrete vaults, you can reduce expenses significantly. Additionally, choosing simpler and biodegradable materials can contribute to overall cost savings. Prout Funeral Home offers transparent pricing and customizable packages to accommodate various budgets. We can assist you in finding affordable eco-friendly funeral options that align with your financial considerations.

Connect with Prout Funeral Home:

One of our goals at Prout Funeral Home is to make the pre-planning process as simple as possible for you. You can even begin it from the comfort of your own home by completing the form. If you need any help, or you would like to begin in person, simply call us at (973) 239-2060.

If you have further questions about eco-friendly funerals, our family is here to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about our eco-friendly funeral services, explore pricing options, and receive personalized guidance in planning a sustainable and meaningful farewell for your loved one.

Welcome to Prout Funeral Home: Embracing the Essence of Green Funerals

What is a Green Funeral?

At Prout Funeral Home, we believe in honoring Earth’s precious resources while providing compassionate and personalized funeral services. We are proud to offer green funerals as a meaningful and environmentally conscious option for families seeking to reduce their ecological footprint.

Commitment to Sustainability

A green funeral, also known as an eco-friendly burial, embraces sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. It is a beautiful way to celebrate a loved one’s life while ensuring a legacy of environmental stewardship.

How is a Green funeral different from a Natural burial?

Green funeral refers to a wide range of options or as we say, the different shades of green- this can range from opting for a sustainably sourced casket but having an embalming/ traditional burial/ etc. to a greener or no embalming and sustainable casket going into a traditional cemetery with a grave liner instead of a traditional vault or no vault/ liner at all, depending on family preference and cemetery requirements.

A natural burial is the purest form of a green funeral with no embalming, sustainably sourced and biodegradable casket (or tray) and/ or wrapped in a shroud and placed in the earth in a natural burial section or full cemetery (some traditional cemeteries now have natural burial sections).

Nurturing the Natural Circle of Life

In a green funeral, we prioritize the use of biodegradable materials, avoiding harmful substances that can damage the Earth. Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of the funeral process, from choosing eco-friendly caskets or shrouds to selecting burial grounds.

Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds

Instead of conventional coffins made from non-biodegradable materials, we offer a range of natural and eco-friendly options. Our selection includes caskets crafted from sustainably sourced wood, biodegradable, bamboo, wicker, and other organic materials. These choices allow for a gentle return to the Earth, and nurturing the cycle of life.

Resting in Harmony with Nature

We work hand in hand with dedicated natural burial grounds that embrace the principles of conservation and restoration. These serene final resting places provide a tranquil setting where loved ones can find solace and connection with the natural environment. Free from burial vaults or concrete grave liners, these sacred spaces allow for a more profound integration with the Earth.

Preserving Memories, Minimizing Impact

At Prout Funeral Home, we understand that preserving memories is a vital part of the grieving process. Our compassionate team works closely with families to ensure that green funerals meet their unique wishes and cultural traditions. We offer alternatives to traditional embalming, minimizing the use of toxic chemicals and promoting natural preservation methods.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Choosing a green funeral not only honors the memory of your loved one but also leaves a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations. By selecting sustainable practices, you are making a positive impact on the Earth, fostering a more sustainable and compassionate world.

 

Embrace the Beauty of Green Funerals with Prout Funeral Home

When you choose Prout Funeral Home, you embark on a journey that combines heartfelt remembrance with a deep respect for our planet. Our family will guide you through every step, ensuring that your green funeral honors your loved one’s life while preserving the natural beauty of our Earth.

Contact us today to learn more about our green funeral services and how we can create a meaningful tribute that reflects your values and cherishes the memories of your loved one.

Appointing a Funeral Representative

Often, individuals find themselves in situations where they have either out lived all of their relatives, are estranged from living family members, or are sure that those relatives remaining will not abide by their final wishes. Since these individuals are not able to authorize their own cremation or ground burial, what are they able to do?

In New Jersey, individuals have the right to appoint a funeral agent. Once named, these “agents” have the supreme right to arrange for the disposition of an individual’s remains. The funeral agent’s right to control supersedes the rights of all others, including spouses, civil union and domestic partners, children, parents and siblings. (Those traditionally within the right to control hierarchy.)

The executor is not automatically the funeral agent.

Appointing a Funeral Agent / Funeral Representative

The funeral agent option is the legal way for you to appoint a specific person to arrange your funeral and sign the necessary authorizations and paperwork. Again, the executor is not automatically the funeral agent.

To appoint a valid funeral agent, it must be done in a Will or Codicil. Appointments made any other way are not acceptable. Those interested in appointing a funeral agent need to visit an attorney and inform them that they wish to designate an individual as a funeral agent according to N.J.S.A. 45:27-22.

The attorney will either draw up a Will or amend the existing Will to include language similar to this:

Appointment of Funeral and Disposition Representative
“I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint [insert name] to serve as my Funeral and Disposition Representative, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:27-22. My Representative shall have the authority and power to control the arrangements for my funeral and the disposition of my remains. My Executor shall notify my Representative of this appointment, and shall advise my Representative of the financial means available to carry out the Funeral and Disposition arrangements. In the event [insert name] should predecease me or for some other reason not qualify to serve as my Funeral and Disposition Representative, then I nominate, constitute and appoint [insert name of alternate] as my Funeral and Disposition Representative.”

 

Who can be a funeral agent?

Executors of estates, friends, clergy members, social workers, specific relatives or others can be named as funeral agents. Funeral directors should NEVER be named funeral agents. If a funeral director is unknowingly designated as a funeral agent, they should waive their rights in writing, and pass them on to another individual.

If you were designated a funeral agent, you are in charge of making the funeral arrangements using money set aside for this purpose in the Will of the deceased. Following death but prior to probate, the executor of the Will must inform you of your appointment as funeral agent and let you know how much money is available for funeral expenses.

If you do not want this responsibility you may appoint someone else to arrange the funeral on your behalf or you may waive your right entirely. If you waive your right, the control of the funeral passes to other individuals in the order outlined in the right to control hierarchy.

Who needs a funeral agent?

Individuals who might consider designating a funeral agent, include persons:

  • Who think their relatives will not honor their funeral wishes or prearrangements.
  • Who are estranged from relatives.
  • Who do not know where the living relatives are located.
  • Who do not have any relatives living.

You can print the Funeral Agent information here.

NJ Sharing Network

Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:

Fact: A national computer system and strict standards are in place to ensure ethical and fair distribution of organs. Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and geographic location.

Fact: People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.

Fact: Organs and tissue that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone, nerve and heart valves.

Fact: Even if you have indicated your wishes on your driver’s license, state donor registry or the National Donate Life Registry, share your decision with your family so they know your wishes.

Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions. Learn more >

Fact: An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after brain death has been declared by a physician.

Fact: Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the family of the donor requests or agrees to it. Otherwise, a patient’s privacy is maintained for both donor families and recipients.

Fact: Living donation increases the existing organ supply.

Fact: Donors are needed for all races and ethnic groups. Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.

Find out more about the NJ Sharing Network.

General Price List

We are completely transparent about costs. Our use of solar energy is highly cost-efficient, allowing us to provide the best value to the families we serve. We believe the best kind of customer is an educated customer. We invite you to view our general price list here.

 

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Payment Options

We accept cash, check, NJ Prepaid Funeral Trust accounts, insurance assignments, ACH transfers and most major credit and debit cards including American Express, Visa, Master Card and Discover. Please note that ACH wire transfers will be assessed a 1% convenience fee; credit and debit card payments made online will be assessed a 3.252% convenience fee; credit and debit card payments made at the funeral home via the card reader will be assessed a 3.04% convenience fee.

Tech Monitor

At Prout Funeral Home, preserving natural resources is one of our core values. We also have the ability to keep track of all our energy production via our 24/7 tech monitor. Want to see what our solar energy use is in real time? Click below to access our live tech monitor.

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