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LAKE Macquarie residents love a green scheme, so it's no surprise that some are even opting for a green burial.
That's where a body is wrapped in wool or placed in a biodegradable coffin before being buried. The process is also known as a natural burial. It allows the body to provide its nutrients back to the earth.
Natural burials have been available at Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, at Ryhope, since their natural memorial reserve opened in 2012.
"The natural burials offer a chance for people to reduce their carbon footprint," the park's family services manager, Vicki Furse, said.
Natural burials are considered much more environmentally friendly than typical gravesites, she said. For starters, natural burials eliminate the embalming process which, for the average person, use about 13 litres of formaldehyde.
"Combined with the bio-degradable coffin and even the option to have the grave dug by hand, it means that the environmental impact is minimal.
"While we do have a few staunch environmentalists that have taken up the option, more often it tends to be families that simply want a more natural bush environment."
Natural burials have been popular overseas for several years and are starting to catch on in Australia, she said.
"With the natural burial there is an extra dignity in death in which we are able to continue to give something back."