More Philadelphia families are asking the same question these days: is there a way to say goodbye to a loved one that's simpler, more natural, and gentler on the earth? The answer is yes, it's called green burial, and it's one of the fastest-growing choices in funeral planning today.
At Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home, we've spent over 100 years adapting to what families in South Philadelphia actually need. Green burial is simply the newest chapter in that story — a way to honor a loved one that feels as natural as it does meaningful.
What Is a Green Burial?
A green burial — sometimes called a natural burial — is a way of laying a loved one to rest without the chemicals, materials, or processes that slow down nature's own course. In practice, that usually means:
- No chemical embalming. The body is cared for and prepared without the formaldehyde-based fluids used in conventional embalming.
- A biodegradable casket or shroud. Instead of metal, hardwood, or lacquered finishes, families choose caskets made of materials like willow, bamboo, unfinished pine, or simple cotton and linen shrouds.
- No concrete burial vault. Traditional burials often use a concrete vault or liner to support the ground above the grave. Green burial skips this step, allowing the body to return to the earth naturally.
- A simpler grave marker. Rather than a large granite headstone, green burial sites often use a flat fieldstone, a native tree, or a small plaque as a marker.
The goal in every step is the same: let the earth do what it's always done, without getting in the way.
Why Families Are Choosing Green Burial
There isn't one single reason families are drawn to this option — it tends to be a combination of a few things:
Environmental values. For families who've spent a lifetime composting, recycling, and thinking about their footprint, a green burial is a natural extension of those same values into their final wishes.
A desire for simplicity. Some families find comfort in the idea of a burial that's uncomplicated — no chemicals, no heavy machinery, just a natural return to the land.
Cost considerations. Because green burial typically skips embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, it often costs less than a traditional burial — though exact savings depend on the cemetery and services chosen.
A different kind of connection to nature. Many green burial grounds are designed more like a nature preserve than a traditional cemetery — meadows, native trees, and walking paths instead of rows of matching headstones. For some families, that setting brings a real sense of peace.
Green Burial Options at Pennsylvania Burial Company
Green burial isn't a separate, complicated process — it's simply a different set of choices within the same caring, personal service our families have trusted for generations. Our licensed directors can walk you through:
- Selecting a biodegradable casket or burial shroud
- Understanding which area cemeteries offer designated green burial sections or dedicated natural burial grounds
- Preparing your loved one with care, without chemical embalming
- Coordinating every detail so the service still feels like the meaningful gathering your family needs — a green burial can absolutely include a full visitation, service, and time for family and friends to say goodbye
If cost transparency and planning ahead matter to you — and for most families, they do — our team is glad to walk through exactly what's involved so there are no surprises.
Green Burial vs. Cremation
Families often ask how green burial compares to cremation, since both are seen as simpler or more environmentally minded alternatives to a traditional burial. Here's an honest look at the difference:
Green Burial
Cremation
What happens to the body
Returns naturally to the earth, without chemicals
Reduced to cremated remains through heat
Environmental footprint
No chemicals, no concrete vault; land is often preserved as natural habitat
No embalming chemicals, but cremation does use energy and produces some emissions
What the family receives
A gravesite to visit, often in a natural setting
Cremated remains, which can be kept, scattered, or buried
Best for families who
Want a physical place to visit and a natural return to the earth
Want flexibility in final placement, or a lower-footprint option without a burial plot
Neither option is "more right" than the other — it comes down to what feels most meaningful for your family. We're always glad to talk through both in detail, without any pressure either way.
How to Plan a Green Burial in Philadelphia
If you think a green burial might be right for your family — whether you're planning ahead or making arrangements for a loved one who has just passed — here's how to start:
- Talk to our team. We'll walk you through what's involved, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand the cemetery options available in the Philadelphia area.
- Choose a cemetery. Not every cemetery offers green burial, so we'll help you find one with a dedicated green burial section or a natural burial ground that fits your family's wishes.
- Select your materials. From biodegradable caskets to simple shrouds, we'll show you the options and let you choose what feels right.
- Plan the service. A green burial can include everything from a full visitation to a small graveside gathering — this is still your family's time to say goodbye, however you envision it.
We're Here to Help You Choose What's Right
Whether you're drawn to green burial, cremation, or a traditional service, our job is to help you make the choice that feels most true to your loved one and your family — with honesty, patience, and zero pressure.
Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home
1327-31 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
📞 (215) 334-1717 | (215) 389-2414
🌐 www.pennsylvaniaburialcompany.com
Four Generations of Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1921.
