Green Burial
Green Burial Council
2011 Standards for Funeral Homes
A GBC approved funeral home must define in its general price and makes reference to in any published website its “green” offerings including the sanitation, preservation, and restoration of a decedent without the use of chemicals that are toxic or not biodegradable, including the option of a private visitation.
A provider must also refrain from making any claims in its general price list or on its website or in any waiver/disclosure that might dissuade a consumer from seeking a green funeral.
Each GBC approved funeral home will be given a rating based upon the following additional criteria that is met:
- Provider allows for the families of decedents to have the option of a public viewing
- Provider carries at least three GBC approved/rated burial containers
- Provider accommodates home vigils
- Provider has at least one staff member who has participated in educational training (minimum six hours) approved by the GBC, which covers technical, practical and ethical issues of eco-friendly funeral service
- Provider makes available the sanitation, preservation, and restoration of a decedent with the use of noninvasive techniques/materials (required for a “Three Leaf” Rating)
