Area residents in Plymouth, NH, are asking for the Town to open burial spaces that meet green burial criteria and are in keeping with our commitment to address climate change. We seek to be buried in our own hometown while reducing our carbon footprint at death by using only materials that are biodegradable and eliminating the use of vaults and grave liners. We further urge the Trustees to change the current bylaws to provide options for natural burial space that is managed using conservation best practices.

Natural burial contributes to carbon sequestration through the unimpeded decomposition process. Research clearly shows that what pollutes the ground is what is buried with the body, not the body itself. And land is used more efficiently, extending the active use of the cemetery over time and maximizing tax dollars. (Learn more at nhfuneral.org, conservationburialalliance.org, greenburialcouncil.org.)

Cemeteries are considered green if their bylaws and practices:
·      eliminate the mandatory purchase of a vault
·      allow non-toxic and biodegradable containers
·      manage the grounds with minimal environmental impact in mind
·      protect worker health by reducing use of herbicides and pesticides