Natural Grace
1601 N. Sepulveda #760
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
888-960-8882
FD2066
HOME FUNERAL & GREEN BURIAL
INFORMATION AND RELEASE
The following information is provided in order to describe the process involved with natural body preparation and preservation, home funerals and green burials. We are providing you this information in order for you to better understand natural options when choosing your funeral services with Natural Grace.
Natural Body Preparation and Preservation
Natural body preparation and preservation represents options and products that do not involve the use of toxic chemicals or non-biodegradable substances. For example, it is a funeral that does not involve embalming with hazardous chemicals. Some minimal preservation methods, such as topical deodorizing sprays/powders, and non-toxic arterial fluids and cavity treatments and refrigeration or dry ice is acceptable. Because of the minimal preservation, the decedent will not look as they often do with chemical preservation and heavy make-up. Your loved one will look more natural.
Home Funerals/Wakes:
Home funerals and wakes are ceremonies where the deceased is present in the home. The body is temporarily preserved by cooling through the use of refrigeration at the funeral home prior to the service or dry ice used at the home. The body is laid out for a period of usually 3-4 hours. If the body is not refrigerated and is kept at the home following death, dry ice (or special ice packs) must be used. Dry ice can be effective for a period of 4 days comfortably if applied to the body correctly. With the use of dry ice, ventilation of the room is important because of the evaporation of CO2.
Green Burial:
Green Burial represents final disposition using options and products that involve the use of biodegradable materials. It involves a burial that does not include metal caskets or concrete burial vaults. Final disposition typically includes placing the decedent in a minimal container, such as wood, natural materials/fibers, cardboard, or cloth shroud, and the decedent’s burial taking place in an open environment setting and marking the decedent’s grave with a naturally indigenous object such as a tree, rock, or flowers.
Because of the minimal structure of the casket or container, decomposition will occur rapidly compared to convention burial practices. As a result, complications could occur in the rare event it may be necessary to disinter the decedent in the future.
Green Products:
There are many products that claim to be green and suitable for funerals and burials. These include: caskets, urns and shrouds made from materials and substances that are nontoxic and readily biodegradable. Natural Grace cannot verify or validate any of the claims or representations of any products/merchandise relating to its’ environmental qualities. However, effort is made to assure the companies we do business with represent themselves fairly and honestly.
Natural Grace
HOME FUNERAL & GREEN BURIAL RELEASE
______
Name of Decedent Date of Death
The undersigned represents that he/she/they are the authorized representative(s) of the decedent (hereinafter “the Representative”) for the purposes of arranging the disposition of decedent’s remains including related services.
Natural Body Preservation: The Representative acknowledges having read the information pertaining to home funerals, green burials and products, and understands that with natural body preparation and preservation, the decedent will appear more natural than they might with formaldehyde based embalming and conventional make-up practices. The representatives agree they desire the decedent to be preserved naturally as described in this document.
Home Funeral: Should the representatives choose a home funeral where the deceased is left in the custody of the representatives, the representatives take all responsibility for the deceased as it relates to cooling and general care.
The representatives hereby release Natural Grace fully from all claims and all causes of action arising from a home funeral where the deceased is in the full custody of the representatives. In addition, the representatives hold harmless and agree to indemnify Natural Grace and assumes responsibility for all claims made against Natural Grace pertaining to natural body preservation and home funerals including a failure of the casket or burial container that has not been sold or otherwise provided by Natural Grace.
Signature Name Authorizing Agent Relationship Date