We Go Green: Ervina White Beauford Makes History with Their First Green Burial at Laurel Hill West Cemetery
A groundbreaking moment in Philadelphia's funeral service industry as Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service leads the way in sustainable end-of-life care
Philadelphia, PA - In a historic milestone for both sustainable funeral practices and local cemetery services, Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service recently completed their first-ever green burial - conducted at Laurel Hill West Cemetery.
This groundbreaking moment represents more than just a new service offering; it symbolizes a commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative funeral care that honors both the deceased and the earth they return to.
A Historic First for Two Institutions
Laurel Hill West Cemetery, established in 1869 across the Schuylkill River in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, has long been recognized as a premier burial ground serving generations of Philadelphians. However, until now, the cemetery had never offered green burial services.
"We are proud to have partnered with Laurel Hill West Cemetery to make this historic green burial possible," said Ervina White Beauford, founder of Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service. "This represents our commitment to providing families with meaningful, environmentally conscious options for honoring their loved ones."
The significance of this achievement extends beyond the individual service. It demonstrates how traditional funeral homes can evolve to meet changing consumer preferences while maintaining the dignity and care families expect during their most difficult times.
Understanding Green Burial: A Return to Natural Practices
Green burial is not a new idea - it has been practiced for thousands of years until the late 19th century. This environmentally friendly approach to funeral care focuses on returning the body to the earth in the most natural way possible.
Key characteristics of green burial include:
- No embalming with toxic chemicals - Bodies are preserved naturally through refrigeration
- Biodegradable burial containers - Green Burial Council-certified shrouds or caskets constructed of renewable Northeastern hardwoods, containing no metal parts and using only biodegradable glues and finishes
- Natural decomposition - The body is interred in the ground in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition
- Minimal environmental impact - Aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and preservation of habitat
Why Families Are Choosing Green Burial
The growing interest in green burial reflects broader environmental consciousness among consumers. According to a 2021 Green Funerals consumer survey conducted by the Kates-Boylston Publications, 84% of Americans would consider a green funeral if offered.
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced carbon footprint - Natural burials are low impact, use less energy, and consume fewer resources than traditional burials
- No toxic chemicals - Eliminates formaldehyde and other embalming fluids from entering the soil
- Conservation of resources - No concrete vaults or non-biodegradable materials
- Habitat preservation - Green burial grounds often serve as natural preserves
Personal and Spiritual Benefits:
- Connection to nature - Allows for a more natural return to the earth
- Simplicity - Focuses on the person's life rather than elaborate caskets or vaults
- Cost-effectiveness - Often more affordable than traditional burial
- Meaningful ceremonies - A church service, graveside service, or memorial service can take place just as it would with a regular burial or cremation
Ervina White Beauford: Leading Innovation in Funeral Care
Located at 2134 Stenton Avenue in Philadelphia and 1133 East High Street in Pottstown, Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service has built a reputation for compassionate, personalized funeral care. This green burial achievement demonstrates the funeral home's commitment to evolving with their community's needs.
Services now offered include:
- Traditional funeral services
- Cremation services
- Green burial coordination (newly added)
- Pre-planning services
- Grief support
- Veterans services
- Memorial services
The funeral home's expansion into green burial services positions them as a forward-thinking provider in the Philadelphia area, offering families environmentally conscious alternatives without compromising on care or dignity.
The Process: What Families Can Expect
For families considering green burial, Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service provides comprehensive guidance through every step:
1. Initial Consultation
- Discussion of green burial options and benefits
- Explanation of the process and requirements
- Coordination with green burial cemetery
2. Body Preparation
- Keeping the body cool in refrigeration until the time of burial
- No chemical embalming - natural preservation methods only
- Option for families to keep their loved one's body at home for a wake or funeral before burial
3. Burial Container Selection
- Assistance in acquiring a casket or shroud that meets the criteria for natural burial
- Green Burial Council certified options
- Biodegradable materials only
4. Cemetery Coordination
- Partnership with approved green burial grounds
- Hand-dug graves for minimal environmental impact
- Native plant restoration
Green Burial Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers several green burial options, and this historic burial at Laurel Hill West expands the choices available to Philadelphia-area families. Nature's Sanctuary at Laurel Hill West is an award-winning green burial area planted with indigenous grasses, trees, and shrubs and is currently maintained as a meadow transitioning into a successional forest.
Other green burial options in Pennsylvania include:
- Penn Forest Natural Burial Park (Pennsylvania's first exclusively green cemetery)
- Various hybrid cemeteries offering green sections
- Conservation burial grounds throughout the state
The Future of Green Burial in Philadelphia
This historic green burial represents more than just a single service - it marks the beginning of expanded sustainable funeral options in the Philadelphia region. As environmental consciousness continues to grow, more families are seeking ways to make their final arrangements reflect their values.
Looking ahead, trends indicate:
- Increased demand for eco-friendly funeral options
- More cemeteries offering green burial sections
- Innovation in biodegradable burial products
- Integration of technology for virtual memorial services
Making Green Burial Accessible
One of Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service's goals in offering green burial is ensuring this option remains accessible to families from all backgrounds. Their mission is to offer an alternative burial solution that assists in using less energy and creates less waste than conventional burials.
The funeral home provides:
- Transparent pricing for green burial services
- Education about the process and benefits
- Coordination with certified green burial grounds
- Support throughout the planning process
- Flexible payment options to accommodate different budgets
Planning for a Green Future
Families interested in green burial can begin planning now, even if they don't need services immediately. Pre-planning allows families to:
- Research green burial options thoroughly
- Discuss preferences with family members
- Lock in current pricing
- Ensure their wishes are documented
- Reduce stress for loved ones during difficult times
Community Impact and Environmental Legacy
This historic green burial at Laurel Hill West Cemetery creates a ripple effect throughout the Philadelphia community. By choosing environmentally conscious funeral practices, families contribute to:
- Carbon emission reduction in the funeral industry
- Preservation of natural habitats through conservation burial grounds
- Protection of groundwater from embalming chemicals
- Conservation of hardwood forests by reducing traditional casket demand
- Educational opportunities for other families considering green options
Continuing the "We Go Green" Mission
The successful completion of this historic green burial is just the beginning for Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service. Their "We Go Green" initiative represents an ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility in funeral care.
Future green initiatives may include:
- Expanding partnerships with additional green burial grounds
- Offering more eco-friendly funeral products
- Providing educational workshops on green burial options
- Implementing sustainable practices in daily operations
- Supporting local environmental conservation efforts
How to Learn More
Families interested in learning more about green burial options can contact Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service at:
Philadelphia Location: 2134 Stenton Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19138 Phone: (215) 927-4546
Pottstown Location: 1133 East High Street Pottstown, PA 19464 Phone: (610) 327-4546
Website: www.ewbfunerals.com
The funeral home's experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer questions about green burial, traditional services, and pre-planning options.
Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service has been serving families in Philadelphia and Pottstown, Pennsylvania, with compassion, dignity, and respect. Their recent expansion into green burial services demonstrates their commitment to meeting evolving family needs while honoring both loved ones and the environment. For more information about their services, visitwww.ewbfunerals.com or call (215) 927-4546.
Contact Information:
- Email: ewbfunerals@gmail.com
- Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Serving: Philadelphia, Pottstown, and surrounding Montgomery County communities
