The Hidden Costs of Traditional Cemeteries

Traditional cemeteries, while offering a space for honoring loved ones, come with several significant costs for the families and communities.

Financial Burden

The cost of traditional burials can be substantial, with expenses including caskets, headstones, and perpetual care fees. These financial demands can place a heavy burden on families during an already difficult time. The price of a casket alone can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the material and design. Headstones and grave markers add further costs, often reaching several thousand dollars. Additionally, perpetual care fees, which cover the maintenance and upkeep of the gravesite, can accumulate over the years, adding to the long-term financial obligations for families.

In Canada, a traditional burial (including a casket, funeral, and cemetery costs) averages about $7,000 to $10,000. Our services cost 3,500 plus the cost of cremation. The cost of cremation varies significantly across different regions, from province to province and even within the same area. Factors such as higher energy costs, a less competitive market, and lower cremation rates contribute to these differences. As a result, cremation expenses can differ by hundreds of dollars. 

Maintenance and Aesthetics

Maintaining a traditional cemetery involves regular landscaping and upkeep, which can be costly and time-consuming. Grass needs to be mowed, trees trimmed, and headstones cleaned and repaired. Over time, if these tasks are neglected due to financial constraints or lack of resources, gravesites can fall into disrepair. This leads to an unsightly and sometimes unsettling appearance, detracting from the cemetery's intended purpose as a place of peace and remembrance. Families may visit to find overgrown grass, broken headstones, and other signs of neglect, which can be distressing. Not all families will have the ability to deal with these sorts of inconveniences, especially during the passing of a loved one, or even years down the road. 

 Greener Alternative

At Celebration Green Cemetery, we address these issues by offering a more sustainable approach. Our open nature space, featuring biodegradable urns and full-grown trees as natural tombstones, minimizes environmental impact and conserves space. This not only creates a beautiful, living memorial but also reduces the financial and maintenance burdens associated with traditional cemeteries.

Undoubtedly, our service remains the most affordable and sustainable for families and the community. By choosing a green burial, families can honor their loved ones while contributing to a healthier planet and preserving the beauty of natural landscapes for future generations.

Want to learn more? Click here to download "Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Burials in New Brunswick."