Maya Ellison
Burying the dead is a centuries-old tradition, with various methods employed to preserve the body and protect it from the elements. One such method is the use of a casket, which is often placed inside a burial vault or liner to prevent the casket and grave from sinking into the soil. While some choose to use biodegradable caskets or opt for cremation, others prefer to use burial vaults made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass, which can be personalised with various emblems and symbols. In this context, the question arises whether it is possible to bury a casket inside a plastic bag, potentially as an additional layer of protection or a cost-saving measure.
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What You'll Learn
Burial vaults and liners
Burial Vaults
Burial vaults are containers that go around the casket to protect it from outside elements. They are typically made from concrete but can also be made from other materials such as metal, reinforced concrete, or plastic. The lining inside the vault is usually made from plastic as it is non-porous and prevents water from entering and leaving. Modern burial vaults may also be lined on the inside with bronze, copper, fibreglass, or stainless steel sheeting. Some jurisdictions, such as several U.S. states, require the use of a burial vault or liner.
The burial vault is lowered into the grave, and the coffin is then lowered into the vault. Finally, a lid is lowered to cover the coffin and seal the vault. Some burial vaults only have a base that is placed beneath the coffin, and the lid consists of the four sides and the top. This type of burial vault allows for a better seal between the lid and base.
Burial Liners
Burial liners are similar to burial vaults but may not have a bottom. They are typically made of concrete, which is porous, allowing water and dirt to enter the casket space. This causes the casket to deteriorate more rapidly. Burial liners do not have a seal or inner lining, so they do not protect the casket as much as burial vaults. They are, however, less expensive than burial vaults.
History
Burial vaults were originally made of wood or brick but emerged as a means to prevent grave robbers from accessing a coffin and removing valuables or bodies. By the late 1800s, burial vaults began to be used more widely to prevent the ground from settling over graves. In the 1930s, sealed or "waterproof" vaults were promoted to protect the body from water, microbes, and vermin.
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Casket sealing
There are two main types of caskets: sealer caskets and non-sealer caskets. Sealer caskets have a rubber gasket or other sealing material along the top edge of the casket, creating an airtight seal when the lid is closed. This seal prevents outside materials from entering the casket and also traps air pressure and gases, which can speed up the decomposition process. Metal caskets, such as those made of steel, copper, or bronze, are commonly sealed with gaskets. The gasket fits into a channel along the lid and base of the casket and compresses to create a tight seal. High-quality casket gaskets are designed to remain intact for many years, maintaining the integrity of the seal.
Non-sealer caskets, on the other hand, do not have a gasket and do not form an airtight seal. They are typically made from wood, bamboo, wicker, fiberboard, or cloth-covered materials. These caskets allow air, moisture, and gases to pass through, resulting in a slower decomposition process compared to sealed caskets. Non-sealer caskets are often preferred for above-ground burials in mausoleums or crypts, as cemetery operators prefer a slower rate of decomposition in these cases.
The decision to choose a sealed or non-sealed casket depends on various factors, including transportation requirements, environmental concerns, religious beliefs, and personal preferences. For example, if the body needs to be transported by air, most airline companies require embalming or the use of a sealed casket to reduce the risk of any liquids escaping. Additionally, in the case of contagious diseases, sealing the casket can help contain the source of illness.
It is important to note that casket sealing does not completely guarantee the preservation of the remains. Even with a sealed casket, there is still a risk of moisture buildup, gas accumulation, and eventual decay. Furthermore, the use of toxic chemicals during embalming can be harmful to the environment, which is another consideration when deciding whether to seal a casket.
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Environmental impact
Burying a casket inside a plastic bag can have significant environmental implications, primarily due to the adverse effects of plastic on the natural world.
Plastic bags, derived from fossil fuels, are designed to be long-lasting and durable, but this very quality becomes a bane for the environment as they take many years to decompose naturally. This slow degradation rate means that plastic waste accumulates in landfills, taking up valuable land space. The issue is further exacerbated when plastic bags are improperly disposed of, leading to littering and stormwater drain blockages.
When exposed to sunlight, plastic bags can release toxic substances into the soil, posing risks to both human and animal health. Additionally, the burning of plastic bags releases toxic fumes, contributing to ambient air pollution. The toxic compounds released during burning or decomposition have been linked to potential carcinogenic effects, highlighting a serious health concern.
The impact of plastic bags extends beyond land and into our oceans. Marine animals, such as sea turtles and birds, often mistake plastic bags for food, ingesting toxic debris that can lead to their demise. Fish consume thousands of tons of plastic annually, transferring it up the food chain and ultimately ending up on our dinner plates. It is estimated that people unknowingly consume a credit card's worth of plastic every week.
To mitigate these environmental concerns, several strategies have been proposed and implemented. These include educational campaigns to raise awareness about the negative consequences of plastic bag use, promotion of reusable bags, and legislative actions such as taxes or bans on single-use plastic bags. Some countries have introduced levies or taxes on plastic bags, which has led to a reduction in their use, although the effectiveness of such measures may wane over time as prices adjust. Overall, a combination of legislative action, pricing strategies, and community education is necessary to curb the detrimental impact of plastic bags on our planet.
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Personalisation
One way to personalise a burial is to include personal items inside the casket. This could include items such as photos, letters, or other sentimental objects. In some cases, individuals may even choose to include everyday items such as a pack of cigarettes or a can of soda. It's important to note that the best time to include these items is during the viewing or before the casket is sealed. Once the casket arrives at the cemetery, it is often locked and most cemeteries prefer not to open it there. However, it's always best to communicate with the funeral home and the family to ensure that any items can be placed inside the casket as requested.
Another aspect of personalisation is the choice of burial container. While traditional caskets are commonly used, some people may prefer alternative options such as a burial vault or grave liner. Burial vaults provide additional protection for the casket and can be made from various materials, including concrete, metal, plastic, or a combination of these. Grave liners are similar to vaults but may not have a bottom, allowing them to be placed in the grave after the casket is lowered. Both options offer opportunities for personalisation, such as choosing the material, adding emblems or symbols that reflect the interests or affiliations of the deceased (such as military service or religious symbols), and selecting different protection levels to ensure the casket's longevity.
For those seeking an even more personalised and environmentally conscious approach, green burials offer a unique alternative. Green burials typically involve the use of biodegradable caskets made from wood or other natural materials. Individuals can choose to be buried beneath a beloved tree, ensuring that the body is at least four feet away from the tree's root system. This option allows the individual to become one with nature and provides a sense of peace and connection to the earth. Additionally, planting new trees or shrubs atop the grave can create a living memorial as the roots grow over the body.
Ultimately, the personalisation of burying a casket inside a plastic bag is limited. While a plastic bag can be used as a form of burial container, it may not be as durable or protective as other options. However, individuals can still include personal items inside the bag and choose the location and setting of the burial site, such as burying their loved one in a special spot or near a beloved tree. It's important to check with the relevant cemetery or burial ground to ensure that any personalisation options are aligned with their regulations and guidelines.
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Green burials
Biodegradable Caskets: Green burials often utilize caskets made from woven biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, willow, seagrass, cotton, banana leaf, or rattan. These caskets are designed with handles and can include liners to prevent leakage. They are a more sustainable option compared to traditional caskets, which are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic.
Wooden Caskets: Wooden caskets can also be used for green burials, as long as they meet certain eco-friendly standards. The Green Burial Council, for example, approves wooden caskets that contain minimal or no metal, avoiding the use of toxic stains or sealants. Pine trees are a popular choice for sustainable wooden caskets due to their renewability and abundance.
Burial Shrouds: A burial shroud is a simple and natural alternative to a casket. Shrouds are made from biodegradable and organic fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo, and are tinted with non-toxic plant dyes. They provide a soft and eco-conscious option for wrapping the body before burial.
Water-Soluble Ash Bags: For those who choose cremation, eco-friendly water-soluble ash bags are available. These bags are designed for green burials, allowing families to contain the ashes during a scattering ceremony or water burial while ensuring a seamless and respectful release.
Green Cemeteries: Green cemeteries offer burial spaces specifically for those who choose eco-friendly burial methods. While traditional caskets are not required in these cemeteries, they do offer flexibility in terms of casket design, allowing for biodegradable options or even burial shrouds.
By opting for green burials, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable approach to end-of-life practices, minimizing the environmental footprint associated with traditional funeral methods.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to bury a casket inside a plastic bag. While some people choose to do this for pet burials, a plastic bag does not provide adequate protection against the elements. A burial vault or grave liner is a better option for caskets as they are designed to protect the casket and prevent the ground from sinking.
A burial vault, also known as a grave vault or burial liner, is a sturdy receptacle that serves as a protective container for a casket. They are typically made of concrete and are designed to prevent the casket and grave from sinking into the soil.
A grave liner is similar to a burial vault but may not have a bottom. It is lowered into the grave after the casket is placed within it. Grave liners can also have bottoms, but they will contain holes to allow water to enter and exit the container.
Burial vaults are not required but are often preferred. They provide added protection for the casket, preventing degradation, collapse, and other potential issues. They also help to support the weight of the earth and protect against outside elements such as dirt, water, and insects.
