Trish Penner, a physician and former hospital chaplain, has founded the Green Cemetery Project Winnipeg, with the goal of bringing the first green cemetery to Manitoba. A green cemetery is a land that maintains its natural ecosystem, where bodies are buried without embalming, placed in biodegradable materials and without headstones. Penner’s motivation stems from her desire to make the topic of death more bearable and environmentally friendly. The idea of green cemeteries has been gaining popularity in recent years, with Richard Rosin, president of the Green Burial Society of Canada, noting the importance of environmental consciousness in death care. Traditional burial practices, such as embalming, can have negative impacts on the environment due to the chemicals used in the process.
Rosin points out that cremation, another common practice, also has its environmental drawbacks, as it utilizes fossil fuels and electricity. While Winnipeg currently offers hybrid green burial options at three cemeteries in the city, Penner and Rosin are advocating for the establishment of a green cemetery that exclusively offers environmentally friendly burial options. However, the main challenge lies in finding the right piece of land, considering factors such as budget constraints and approval from rural municipalities. Penner emphasizes the importance of finding a location that is suitable for green burial practices, taking into account issues such as water management and flooding risks.
The traditional burial practices that have been widely accepted for years are now being reconsidered in light of the environmental impact they have. The concept of green cemeteries presents a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to death care. Penner believes that more conversations about death and ways to make the process more positive and proactive are necessary, given that death is a vulnerable time for many people. By offering green burial options, individuals have the opportunity to be laid to rest in a way that is in harmony with the natural environment, without the use of harmful chemicals or materials.
As the interest in green cemeteries continues to grow, Penner and Rosin are working towards establishing the first green cemetery in Manitoba, following the example of other provinces like British Columbia. The shift towards more eco-friendly burial practices reflects a broader trend towards environmental consciousness and sustainability in various aspects of life. It is hoped that the establishment of a green cemetery in Winnipeg will not only provide a peaceful final resting place for individuals but also contribute to the preservation of the natural ecosystem in the area. The efforts of Penner, Rosin, and other advocates of green burial practices highlight the importance of reevaluating traditional approaches to death care in order to minimize environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.
