One of the most important reasons to bury a loved one in a cemetery is to have a place to visit. Having a physical place to go to remember a loved one is an integral part of the grieving process. When families go to visit their loved one’s grave, they often want to do something to memorialize their loved one.

Traditionally, this involves placing flowers (real or silk), wreaths, ribbons, or bows on a grave. However, in green cemeteries these typical grave memorials will likely not be allowed. This is because green cemeteries want to make sure to keep the area as natural as possible.

They also want to lessen their environmental impact, which likely means they won’t allow things like silk flowers or wreaths which are man-made, do not biodegrade, and may make trash that pollutes the environment.

It’s also important to note that many green cemeteries do not use traditional grave markers. They may use a simple stone or have a large stone wall near by with all the names of those buried there.

So, if you can’t memorialize a loved one’s grave in the traditional ways, what can you do?

1) Flower arrangements – Check with the cemetery, but you may still be able to leave an arrangement of fresh flowers at the grave site.

2) Write a letter – Write letters to your loved one. Read them either silently or aloud when you get there.

3) Plant a tree – Depending on the cemetery policies, it may be possible to plant a tree, bush, or flower plant near the grave site.

4) Meditation or prayer - Take some time to reflect in silence, either through meditation or prayer, depending on your beliefs.

5) Play music – Play your loved one’s favorite songs.

6) Share stories or special memories – gather family members and share stories. Remember the good times, the laughter, and the love.

7) Take a picnic – Make your loved one’s favorite food and have a picnic in the cemetery.

8) Take a walk or hike – Many cemeteries have walking paths, so you can take a stroll around the grounds. Some types of green cemeteries are actually nature preserves where you can hike as well.

9) Create some art – If you are an artist, or even if art is just a hobby for you, take some art supplies to the cemetery. Green cemeteries are often very natural looking, and you may even see some wildlife in some cases. Take some time to reflect while you create your art in the space.

While you may have to find new ways to memorialize a loved one in a green cemetery, there are certainly many options.