Understanding Conservation Burial
Cremation & Other Options
Cremation.
The purpose of the Baldwin Hill Conservation Cemetery is to provide a space for, and a model of, natural burial—reflecting traditional burial methods. Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option, and it offers several advantages over modern conventional burial. However, it still comes with a carbon footprint that may exceed that of natural burial, and it does not take full advantage of the unique opportunity offered by Baldwin Hill cemetery. The cemetery therefore encourages natural full-body burials, but because people’s needs and circumstances are highly varied, the burial of cremains is allowed at the Baldwin Hill Cemetery.
For burial of cremains, family’s have the option to work with the burial contractor or to dig the hole themselves with hand tools under supervision of cemetery staff. There is still a cost associated with cemetery staff supervision. See Other Costs for more information.
Other Options.
A great resource for exploring options besides conventional ground burial and cremation can be found at Last Things.
There are alternatives to the standard, energy-intensive, high heat form of cremation. One such alternative is called Alkaline Hydrolysis (aka ‘aquamation’) and is available at Direct Cremation of Maine in Belfast.
Cremation & Other Options