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What states do not require embalming?
Embalming is mandated when a body crosses state lines from Alabama and Alaska. Five other states—California, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota and New Jersey—require embalming when the body leaves those states by common carrier (airplane or train).
Can I be buried without embalming?
A natural burial does not use embalming fluid, a casket, or a burial vault. The deceased is placed directly into the earth. Natural burials allow the deceased to become one with the earth and to give back to nature. Natural burials often don’t have typical headstones or memorial benches.
Where are natural burials allowed?
You can be naturally buried in any designated green burial cemetery. Check our directory to locate your nearest green burial sites. Many states also allow natural burial on your own land. There are ordinances to check with local zoning, and guidelines for grave plots.
Where can you be buried without a casket?
If a burial vault is being used, there is no inherent requirement to use a casket. A person can be directly interred in the earth, in a shroud, or in a vault without a casket. There is no state law that dictates what a casket must be made of, either.
How long can a body be buried without embalming?
A body presents little threat to public health in the first day following the death. However, after 24 hours the body will need some level of embalming. A mortuary will be able to preserve the body for approximately a week. Regardless of the embalming, decomposition will begin after one week.
What is the least expensive burial?
Direct burial is the least expensive burial option. That’s because some of the most expensive purchases — casket, preparing the body and an elaborate funeral service — are avoided. In addition, some funeral homes will charge a lower basic-services fee (the non-declinable flat fee funeral homes charge) for direct burial.
How long is the body preserved after embalming?
The modern embalming process can preserve the body for quite a few years and may be even a hundred years or more. Embalming, however, does not ensure that the body is preserved forever in time but the longevity is more than burials. Also, since the body is kept in caskets they may last longer.
Can you be buried in the ground without a casket?
No coffin shall be buried in any grave without less than 30 inches of soil between the surface of [the ground] and the upper side of the coffin. That’s less than 3 feet. However, its probably best to dig a 4 foot hole, since this will allow about 3 feet between the upper surface of the body.
Do you embalm before cremation?
Embalming isn’t always necessary before cremation. In fact, the body can be cremated within 24 hours of arriving at the funeral home. Some funeral homes have crematories on site, but those that don’t may have to transport the body to a cremation facility.