What is Green Burial?

      The purpose of Green Burial is to reduce toxins, waste, and carbon emissions that have been associated with conventional end-of-life rituals; and to bring conservation organizations together with cemetery operators, funeral establishments, and cremation companies to create burial programs that facilitate the restoration, acquisition and stewardship of natural areas.

1.   Hills of Rest Memorial Park will allow the Green Burial of human remains without a burial vault providing all of the provisions of Green Burial are met.
2.   Decedents are not to have been embalmed with toxic chemicals.
3.   Burial containers (caskets) are limited to those made from materials that are nontoxic, biodegradable and must not contain metal or plastics.

How can a family that wants Green Burial and Hills of Rest Memorial Park be assured that all of the guidelines are met?

      The South Dakota Funeral Service Licensee in charge of arrangements for a Green Burial must certify that items 2 and 3 listed above are fulfilled.  In the case where no funeral service licensee is utilized, the next of kin shall make such designation.

Can a person be buried in just a shroud?

      Burial of a decedent in a shroud only is not allowed.  Decedents placed in a shroud must also be placed in a rigid burial container as described in the guidelines stated above prior to burial.

Are there additional costs associated with Green Burial at Hills of Rest Memorial Park?

      Because of the known extra care a Green Burial gravesite will need in the future; Hills of Rest will assess a one-time Green Burial Right over and above the basic costs of the grave and interment fee.  This Green Burial Right, like the other costs associated with an interment, will be due prior to the time of interment.

Will Hills of Rest Memorial Park allow two Green Burials in one grave space?

      Hills of Rest Memorial Park will inter two sets of human remains into the same grave space, providing the cost of the Second Right of Interment is paid.  This right of second interment is also available for Green Burials.  As in traditional burial, to make two interments in the same grave, the second right has to be established before the first interment occurs.