Our Green Burial in Indiana Forum is now available on YouTube!

About Our Guests:

Carrie Chastain - Weathers Funeral Home:

Carrie Chastain is the owner and operator of Weathers Funeral Home in Salem, Indiana. Weathers Funeral Home offers an array of personalized funeral services and is the only green burial service provider in the city.

Emily Schwindler - Aaron-Ruben-Nelson-Mortuary:

Emily SchwindlerWorking in deathcare since 2007, Emily Schwindler is the Director of Operations and Engagement at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, Indiana's first Green Burial Council approved funeral home.

Lauren Richwine - Death Done Differently:

Lauren Richwine is an end-of-life doula, facilitator, and advocate located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lauren is the creator of Death Done Differently, an educational consulting organization that provides home funeral/eco-friendly funeral planning, consulting, and education services.

Suzi Petrey - Oak Hill Cemetery:

Suzi Petrey is the office manager of Oak Hill Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Oak Hill Cemetery is the only Green Burial Council certified cemetery in the state of Indiana, featuring a designated natural burial space.

David Sanders - Sanders Funeral Care:

David Sanders is the owner of Sanders Funeral Care, a funeral provider with locations in Crawfordsville, Waynetown, and Kingman, Indiana. Sanders Funeral Care offers green burial products and services, as well as traditional funeral and cremation services.

Ben Upton - Flanner Buchanan/Washington North Park Cemetery:

Ben is an honorably discharged Marine Corps Veteran, Life Member of the VFW, Life Member of the American Legion, and honorary life member of the Vietnam Veterans of American. His passion for serving extends beyond his military history. He currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for the Buchanan Group managing 14 cemeteries and 15 Funeral Centers.

What is Green Burial?

Green burial involves interring the body in a way that allows it to decompose naturally and return to the earth. This process typically forgoes the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, opting instead for biodegradable materials. It’s about letting nature take its course in the most gentle and respectful way possible. Learn more about green burials on our Green Burials service page, which lists more detailed FAQ’s.

Many choose green burial for its environmental benefits, but it also offers a return to simpler, more traditional practices. By avoiding chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, green burials reduce pollution and conserve natural resources, making it a fitting choice for those who want to leave a positive legacy.

Weathers Funeral Home’s Commitment to the Environment

Weathers Funeral Home has a long history of serving the Salem community with compassion and respect. Our new certification underscores our dedication to offering sustainable choices that align with our values and the needs of those we serve.

Commitment to Sustainability

We are dedicated to integrating environmentally friendly practices into all aspects of our operations. Our decision to pursue certification with the Green Burial Council is part of this broader commitment to sustainability.. Visit our blog “Environmental Impact of Green Burials in Salem: Addressing Local Concerns” to learn more.

Partnering with the Green Burial Council

The Green Burial Council is the leading organization dedicated to ensuring that green burial services meet rigorous environmental and ethical standards. By partnering with them, we ensure that our practices not only comply with but exceed industry standards.

Becoming certified by the Green Burial Council is no small feat. It requires a thorough evaluation of our facilities, services, and practices to ensure we meet the highest standards of sustainability. This certification is a testament to our dedication to offering the best in green burial services.

Understanding the Green Burial Council Certification

Green Burial Council certification is a seal of approval that indicates a funeral home’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. But what exactly does this certification entail, and why is it important?

The Green Burial Council is a nonprofit organization that sets the standards for environmentally sustainable burial practices. They provide certification to funeral homes that meet their stringent criteria, ensuring that families have access to truly green burial options.

The Green Burial Council’s certification process is rigorous, focusing on environmental impact, sustainability, and ethical considerations. This ensures that certified providers, like Weathers Funeral Home, offer services that genuinely contribute to the conservation of natural resources.

What Green Burial Services Mean for the Community

By offering green burial services, Weathers Funeral Home provides Salem families with an option that aligns with their environmental values. This service not only benefits the environment but also offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones.

Green burials offer a more natural, meaningful, and personal way to say goodbye to a loved one. Families can take comfort in knowing that their choice is helping to protect the earth for future generations.

Please use the contact form below to get in touch and learn more about our services.