Green Burial at King Cemetery
"Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and or preservation of habitat." (Green Burial Council)
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The presence of shallow soils and ledge throughout the new King Cemetery prohibit conventional burials that typically involve an embalmed body placed in a casket within a concrete vault and buried five to six feet deep. This traditional method is today considered potentially harmful to the environment, and the concept of Green Burial has emerged throughout the US and around the world.
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CLICK HERE to read "The Science of Green and Conventional Burial, In Lay Terms"
Click on above image to enlarge.
Plots
Plots for full-body green burial and composted-body green burial have been identified within the deeper soils (3.5 feet or more) of the new King Cemetery. These areas may also be used to bury cremated remains.
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Each plot is 10' x 5' (50 square feet) and can accommodate the following:
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One full-body plus four (4) cremation burials
OR
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The composted remains of two bodies* plus four (4) cremation burials.
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Contiguous plots can be purchased to create a larger family burial site.​
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CLICK HERE for more information about the location of Green Burial plots.
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* NOTE: While the burial of composted human remains is now legal in Vermont, there are currently no nearby composting facilities in the Northeast. The composting process creates approximately one cubic yard of soil per body.
Learn more before you purchase a plot.
https://earthfuneral.com/vermont/
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Green ~ Natural Burial
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In the new King Cemetery Green Burial sections, all burials shall comply with the following:​
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Embalming prior to burial is not permitted.
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No vault or grave liner may be used.
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Full bodies and composted remains* shall be buried at depths of approximately 3.5 feet (this is within the biologically active soil zone where proper decomposition occurs).
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The minimum burial depth for cremated remains is one foot (12 inches) from the top of the urn or ash pile; cremains shall not be buried deeper than 3.5 feet.
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Burial containers are limited to those made from materials that are nontoxic/ nonhazardous and biodegradable with shrouds permissible. Examples include: untreated softwoods, wool, fiber, natural material cloth, cardboard, seagrass, bamboo, wicker, hemp, papier-mâché, or nothing (no container). All burial shrouds must be made of natural plant or animal fibers.​
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See Rules and Regulations and the Sample Deed for additional requirements regarding plantings, the size and placement of markers and headstones, and other matters.
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Please visit our Resources page for products.
