Crown Hill May See Natural Burials in 2024

Crown Hill May See Natural Burials in 2024

Officials have taken the first step that could allow a section of Crown Hill Cemetery to be set aside for natural burials. The decision was made during the Monday, May 13, meeting of the Salem Common Council.

Weathers Funeral Home requested this initiative. Through our extensive community engagement, we have heard that residents want the opportunity for natural burials, also known as green burials, in Salem, IN. Natural burials became more popular during the pandemic as people embraced simplicity.

The new changes include the elimination of the requirement for a vault. Domes can be used instead of vaults, which allows the burial to biodegrade naturally and seep into the ground. A concrete burial box can also be used.

What Is a Green Burial?

Natural burials, commonly called “green” burials, provide simpler, less costly, and more environmentally friendly burials that avoid harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, which is a suspected human carcinogen. Visit our Green Burials page to learn more about green burials. To understand the difference between traditional burials and green burials, read our blog "Comparing Green Burials in Salem to Traditional Burials."

Carrie Chastain, founder and co-owner of Weathers Funeral Home, is becoming certified in natural burials. Carrie says, “The process eliminates traditional embalming, although some customers could opt for environmentally friendly embalming, which uses essential oils. Either biodegradable caskets or shrouds are used, as well as markers that are either flat or made of natural materials. Cemeteries that accommodate such burials aren’t mowed as frequently and can include wildflower plantings.”

Most cemeteries, including Crown Hill, require vaults, which is contrary to the notion of biodegradable materials.

Brock Chastain, co-owner of Weathers Funeral Home, said the portion of Crown Hill Cemetery near the ponds would be ideal for natural burials. He estimated the section could include 50 plots to start.

Mayor Justin Green noted that the cemetery has space to expand. To read the Mayor's quotes, see the Salem Leader article “Crown Hill Could See Natural Burials” , posted on May 17th, 2024.

Council member Dylan Moore made a motion to have the city’s attorney prepare an ordinance that would accommodate natural burials. His motion was supported by a unanimous vote, with all Council members in attendance.