What is a natural burial?

A natural burial is defined by its emphasis on environmental sustainability and the use of biodegradable materials. This practice seeks to minimize the ecological impact of traditional burial methods, which often involve non-biodegradable caskets, heavy metal coffins, and chemical embalming fluids. In a natural burial, the body is typically interred without these chemicals, allowing it to decompose naturally and contributing to the cycle of life. The choice of biodegradable materials for coffin or shroud ensures that the burial aligns with environmental consciousness, as these materials break down more easily in the earth.

The other concepts outlined in the options underscore methods that do not align with the principles of natural burials. Elaborate caskets and extensive embalming, for instance, introduce synthetic elements that contradict the philosophy of reducing environmental impact. Similarly, while burial in designated urban cemeteries can be part of modern practices, it does not inherently reflect the principles of natural burials which seek to return the body to the earth as naturally as possible.