{"id":2913,"date":"2023-05-01T02:14:47","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T06:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/?p=2913"},"modified":"2023-08-30T16:08:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T20:08:00","slug":"memento-mori-returning-to-the-land","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\/","title":{"rendered":"Memento Mori: Returning to the Land: Green Burial and Its Impact on the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”12px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/mm.jpg” alt=”Howard Berg of Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery” title_text=”mm” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ header_2_font_size=”27px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]By Susan Cushing, International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As we become more conscientious about reducing individual carbon footprints, the effort to preserve natural resources is now a commitment that is literally carried to the grave. Simply put, a green burial prioritizes environmental sustainability by avoiding the use of embalming chemicals, caskets made from non-biodegradable materials such as metal or concrete, and excluding grave liners or vaults that prevent natural decomposition. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable container or shroud and buried directly in the earth. This allows for a more natural and less resource-intensive return to the earth.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike so many other things, this is not a new concept but rather the original and natural way people buried their loved ones hundreds of years ago.\u201d<\/strong>
\n-Ryan Helfenbein<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding_tablet=”12px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”12px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ header_2_font_size=”27px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Green burials are becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States as people seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. Maryland is one state where the green burial movement has gained momentum. Memento Mori had the opportunity to speak with the owners of two of the most prominent. Located about 50 miles apart, Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home and Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum both offer green burials that are enhanced by the stunning natural beauty of the land they occupy.<\/p>\n

Maryland\u2019s First<\/h2>\n

Although both cemeteries specialize in this burial option, they do differ in some respects. Ryan Helfenbein, one of the four partners of Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam described the various options they offer for those seeking this increasingly popular method of burial. \u201cI\u2019m very proud to say that my father, Tom, was responsible for introducing the green burial concept to Maryland residents back in 2005,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cWe continue to offer the more traditional burial option, but also have two of our privately owned cemeteries that offer exclusive areas for those who wish to \u2018go green\u2019. These are Bestgate Memorial Park in Annapolis and Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton.\u201d Known for their all-inclusive experience, Helfenbein elaborates. \u201cWe are the only all-natural green cemetery in Maryland owned and operated by funeral directors. This is defined as oversight from place of passing to one\u2019s final resting place, including all legal paperwork, services, and ceremony.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe define all-natural burial as being a hand dug grave and not using a backhoe,\u201d he continues. \u201cThe deceased can be wrapped in a shroud or placed into a basic ecofriendly casket often constructed out of pine or bamboo. No concrete liner or outer enclosure is used, as the deceased is placed directly into the hand dug grave. Once the grave is hand closed, a river rock is customized with the individual\u2019s information and placed on the gravesite.\u201d Based on their status as the first green cemetery in Maryland with years of experience and because all owners are licensed funeral directors, Helfenbein says they are considered the go-to experts. \u201cEven the state associations turn to us for guidance on green burials,\u201d he says. \u201cWe have had a steadily growing demand for this option since we first began offering it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maryland\u2019s Newest<\/h2>\n

Open for less than two months, Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum owner Dr. Howard Berg has also experienced immediate and consistent interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really haven\u2019t had to spend much on marketing,\u201d he says. \u201cI think the media attention in response to the growing interest in green burial options has a lot to do with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the few short weeks, the woodland-like cemetery has been operating, Berg has already been interviewed by serval publications including the Washington Post as well as appearing on various news and community interest TV programs.<\/p>\n

A life-long resident of Maryland, Berg instinctively knew that the property his family has owned since 1965 with its abundance of open meadows, trees, flora, and lush greenery would be the ideal location for an idyllic final resting place. His vision from the start was to retain the natural state of the land striving to blend in and quietly merge with the stunning scenery.<\/p>\n

Berg who owns the property with his two brothers says it was serendipitous how everything seemed to fall into place.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really weren\u2019t certain what to do with the property,\u201d he says. \u201cTo be honest, I really hadn\u2019t heard too much about green burials until just about four years ago when we were deciding what options were available for the land.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce I realized how providing a green burial opportunity benefits so many entities in so many ways, I really became excited,\u201d he adds. \u201cFirst, it may be the end of life but it\u2019s not the end of a person\u2019s ecological impact. With natural burial you are caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact, conserving natural resources, while simultaneously, you are restoring or preserving habitat for wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor describes himself as a huge fan of the great outdoors; and while not radical, he has always been something of an environmentalist.<\/p>\n

In these park-like settings, the unobstructed views are further enhanced with winding paths and trails for visitors to meander.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cI have always enjoyed outdoor vacations and activities,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019m a biker, I like hiking, and kayaking. I just like being out in nature. I grew up on a farm, so it\u2019s been a part of me throughout my life. Now that I\u2019m retired, I not only have the time to enjoy Mother Nature, but also have a worthy project that lends itself to being outdoors where I can appreciate all this magnificent beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Berg believes in a light-handed trimming of the tall grass that blankets the earth. \u201cAs I\u2019ve said, our goal is to allow nature to continue to thrive with a little help as needed,\u201d says Berg. \u201cFor instance, we have removed invasive plants and replaced them with trees and shrubs that are native to Maryland so that it has a much better-balanced ecological impact in the area. We\u2019re already seeing the natural fauna coming back as well as birds, rabbits, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that are typically drawn to this environment. It\u2019s reverting back to what nature intended.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe make the best use of the amount of land we have,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cFor example, with traditional burial, you can accommodate about 1,200 graves per acre whereas with green burials we only have about 600 per acre.\u201d<\/p>\n

In these park-like settings, the unobstructed views are further enhanced with winding paths and trails for visitors to meander. Helfenbein describes the numerous events that he makes the cemetery available for. Berg offers the peaceful setting of his cemetery to various groups as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Green Burial Association of Maryland holds its meetings here, as well as a local stargazing club,\u201d Berg explains. \u201cThey have been extremely helpful as we continue to learn more about the land and how to maintain the natural environment and provide magnificent settings for beautiful services.\u201d<\/p>\n

One thing both men agree on is that this \u201cnew\u201d trend is not new at all. \u201cLike so many other things, this is not a new concept but rather the original and natural way people buried their loved ones hundreds of years ago,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cIt\u2019s really a more peaceful experience, and I feel those who experience one of these green services really come away feeling uplifted and somehow connected to everything.\u201d
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Susan Cushing, International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association As we become more conscientious about reducing individual carbon footprints, the effort to preserve natural resources is now a commitment that is literally carried to the grave. Simply put, a green burial prioritizes environmental sustainability by avoiding the use of embalming chemicals, caskets made from non-biodegradable […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

May 2023<\/em>
By Susan Cushing, International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association<\/em><\/p>

As we become more conscientious about reducing individual carbon footprints, the effort to preserve natural resources is now a commitment that is literally carried to the grave. Simply put, a green burial prioritizes environmental sustainability by avoiding the use of embalming chemicals, caskets made from non-biodegradable materials such as metal or concrete, and excluding grave liners or vaults that prevent natural decomposition. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable container or shroud and buried directly in the earth. This allows for a more natural and less resource-intensive return to the earth.<\/p>

\u201cLike so many other things, this is not a new concept but rather the original and natural way people buried their loved ones hundreds of years ago.\u201d
-Ryan Helfenbein<\/p><\/blockquote>

Green burials are becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States as people seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. Maryland is one state where the green burial movement has gained momentum. Memento Mori had the opportunity to speak with the owners of two of the most prominent. Located about 50 miles apart, Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home and Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum both offer green burials that are enhanced by the stunning natural beauty of the land they occupy.<\/p>

Maryland\u2019s First<\/h2>

Although both cemeteries specialize in this burial option, they do differ in some respects. Ryan Helfenbein, one of the four partners of Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam described the various options they offer for those seeking this increasingly popular method of burial. \u201cI\u2019m very proud to say that my father, Tom, was responsible for introducing the green burial concept to Maryland residents back in 2005,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cWe continue to offer the more traditional burial option, but also have two of our privately owned cemeteries that offer exclusive areas for those who wish to \u2018go green\u2019. These are Bestgate Memorial Park in Annapolis and Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton.\u201d Known for their all-inclusive experience, Helfenbein elaborates. \u201cWe are the only all-natural green cemetery in Maryland owned and operated by funeral directors. This is defined as oversight from place of passing to one\u2019s final resting place, including all legal paperwork, services, and ceremony.<\/p>

\u201cWe define all-natural burial as being a hand dug grave and not using a backhoe,\u201d he continues. \u201cThe deceased can be wrapped in a shroud or placed into a basic ecofriendly casket often constructed out of pine or bamboo. No concrete liner or outer enclosure is used, as the deceased is placed directly into the hand dug grave. Once the grave is hand closed, a river rock is customized with the individual\u2019s information and placed on the gravesite.\u201d Based on their status as the first green cemetery in Maryland with years of experience and because all owners are licensed funeral directors, Helfenbein says they are considered the go-to experts. \u201cEven the state associations turn to us for guidance on green burials,\u201d he says. \u201cWe have had a steadily growing demand for this option since we first began offering it.\u201d<\/p>

Maryland\u2019s Newest<\/h2>

Open for less than two months, Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum owner Dr. Howard Berg has also experienced immediate and consistent interest.<\/p>

\u201cWe really haven\u2019t had to spend much on marketing,\u201d he says. \u201cI think the media attention in response to the growing interest in green burial options has a lot to do with that.\u201d<\/p>

In the few short weeks, the woodland-like cemetery has been operating, Berg has already been interviewed by serval publications including the Washington Post as well as appearing on various news and community interest TV programs.<\/p>

A life-long resident of Maryland, Berg instinctively knew that the property his family has owned since 1965 with its abundance of open meadows, trees, flora, and lush greenery would be the ideal location for an idyllic final resting place. His vision from the start was to retain the natural state of the land striving to blend in and quietly merge with the stunning scenery.<\/p>

Berg who owns the property with his two brothers says it was serendipitous how everything seemed to fall into place.<\/p>

\u201cWe really weren\u2019t certain what to do with the property,\u201d he says. \u201cTo be honest, I really hadn\u2019t heard too much about green burials until just about four years ago when we were deciding what options were available for the land.<\/p>

\u201cOnce I realized how providing a green burial opportunity benefits so many entities in so many ways, I really became excited,\u201d he adds. \u201cFirst, it may be the end of life but it\u2019s not the end of a person\u2019s ecological impact. With natural burial you are caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact, conserving natural resources, while simultaneously, you are restoring or preserving habitat for wildlife.\u201d<\/p>

The doctor describes himself as a huge fan of the great outdoors; and while not radical, he has always been something of an environmentalist.<\/p>

In these park-like settings, the unobstructed views are further enhanced with winding paths and trails for visitors to meander.<\/p><\/blockquote>

\u201cI have always enjoyed outdoor vacations and activities,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019m a biker, I like hiking, and kayaking. I just like being out in nature. I grew up on a farm, so it\u2019s been a part of me throughout my life. Now that I\u2019m retired, I not only have the time to enjoy Mother Nature, but also have a worthy project that lends itself to being outdoors where I can appreciate all this magnificent beauty.\u201d<\/p>

Berg believes in a light-handed trimming of the tall grass that blankets the earth. \u201cAs I\u2019ve said, our goal is to allow nature to continue to thrive with a little help as needed,\u201d says Berg. \u201cFor instance, we have removed invasive plants and replaced them with trees and shrubs that are native to Maryland so that it has a much better-balanced ecological impact in the area. We\u2019re already seeing the natural fauna coming back as well as birds, rabbits, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife that are typically drawn to this environment. It\u2019s reverting back to what nature intended.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cWe make the best use of the amount of land we have,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cFor example, with traditional burial, you can accommodate about 1,200 graves per acre whereas with green burials we only have about 600 per acre.\u201d<\/p>

In these park-like settings, the unobstructed views are further enhanced with winding paths and trails for visitors to meander. Helfenbein describes the numerous events that he makes the cemetery available for. Berg offers the peaceful setting of his cemetery to various groups as well.<\/p>

\u201cThe Green Burial Association of Maryland holds its meetings here, as well as a local stargazing club,\u201d Berg explains. \u201cThey have been extremely helpful as we continue to learn more about the land and how to maintain the natural environment and provide magnificent settings for beautiful services.\u201d<\/p>

One thing both men agree on is that this \u201cnew\u201d trend is not new at all. \u201cLike so many other things, this is not a new concept but rather the original and natural way people buried their loved ones hundreds of years ago,\u201d says Helfenbein. \u201cIt\u2019s really a more peaceful experience, and I feel those who experience one of these green services really come away feeling uplifted and somehow connected to everything.\u201d<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,31],"tags":[14,18],"class_list":["post-2913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-green-burial","category-news","tag-green-burial","tag-green-cemetery-maryland"],"yoast_head":"\nMemento Mori: Returning to the Land: Green Burial and Its Impact on the Future - Serenity Ridge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Memento Mori: Returning to the Land: Green Burial and Its Impact on the Future\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Susan Cushing, International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association As we become more conscientious about reducing individual carbon footprints, the effort to preserve natural resources is now a commitment that is literally carried to the grave. Simply put, a green burial prioritizes environmental sustainability by avoiding the use of embalming chemicals, caskets made from non-biodegradable […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Serenity Ridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SerenityRidgeMD\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-05-01T06:14:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-08-30T20:08:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.serenityridgemd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/mm_no_text.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"866\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1127\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"kara\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"kara\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"kara\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ca32646844f2d5da013c87cecc9a7b1a\"},\"headline\":\"Memento Mori: Returning to the Land: Green Burial and Its Impact on the Future\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-05-01T06:14:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-08-30T20:08:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1622,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/mm_no_text.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Green Burial\",\"Green Cemetery Maryland\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Green Burial\",\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.serenityridgemd.com\\\/memento-mori-returning-to-the-land\\\/\",\"name\":\"Memento Mori: Returning to the Land: Green Burial and Its Impact on the Future - 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