added to reduce the costs of lawn maintenance . Over the first 18 months or so when what is below the ground decomposes and the soil over the grave becomes re-compacted with snow , rain and equipment ; a little attention is needed . After six years of performing natural burials , Paul Walker notes :
“ We have not seen much difference in subsidence of natural burials versus traditional 4 burials . Natural burials seem to drop a few inches after a couple of months , but we also get that with traditional burials after a heavy rain . We typically just add loam and reseed them as needed . Most of the time we check the newer natural burials for the first few months for settling and all newer graves after a heavy rain to avoid complaints from lot owners . . . . In general , the natural burial graves have not been any more of an issue than the standard burial graves where a grave box is placed in the ground . Choosing a safe 5 location where vehicle and equipment access is limited is most important . . .”
As for the addition of new monuments or markers , the question of safety and access becomes a checkbox on the criteria for additional burial space . It falls under the purview of the director of cemetery development .
Part II of the Climate Action Plan about Mount Auburn ’ s greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions projects the crematory ’ s emissions will continue to rise at about 2 % per year based on a 2 % increase in the number of cremations . The carbon footprint of cremation remains a serious issue , if unresolved . Strategically planning for carbon offsets , carbon sinks , or future alternatives of bodily disposition requires planning , foresight , and innovation . In short , there are opportunities for new business ideas .
Researching the purchase of carbon offsets or investing in carbon sinks to reach a carbon-neutral goal is possible now . What is the right approach for Mount Auburn ?
Figure 2 - The future increase in the number of cremations and subsequent GHG emissions will require carbon offset purchases to reach carbon-neutrality . This chart estimates an annual increase of GHG emissions at 2 % per year which is based on increasing the number of cremations annually by 2 %.
There are two other options of bodily disposition that are gaining attention across the country . On the surface , they both appear to be greener solutions . However , there are complications :
4
The word ‘ traditional ’ is often used instead of ‘ conventional ’ – those with vault or grave liner .
5
‘ Safe ’ location refers to an area where the backhoe or tree truck may place the supporting outriggers or simply drive atop a grave , if necessary , without disturbing the grave . It is crucial that the green burial graves are well marked and numbered especially if there is a lag between when the burial occurs and when the grave shows up on a printed or digital map .
Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 60