Many people ask me if green funerals are allowed in Manitoba. The answer is yes. Some people may call them eco-funerals or natural burials. They’re becoming increasingly popular alternatives for families who want to have a simpler, green option for saying goodbye to their loved one.
Green funerals aren’t new. In fact, they’re a very old tradition. Before we had a modern funeral industry, families took care of their dead themselves.
When we’re asked about offering a green or natural burial, one of the first questions we must ask is if the family wishes to keep the deceased in their home? If so, we will advise them on what to do. They must keep the deceased dry and cool.
Some families like to hang black crepe ribbons beside their front door as a sign that the family is in mourning. Family, friends and neighbours can come by to bring their love and comfort to the grieving family. You can invite your clergy to come to the house as well.
Some families who choose a green burial in this fashion say that looking after a dead family member helps them absorb and accept the death more quickly and more fully. It can be a profound experience to say goodbye to a family member in this way.
You don’t have to keep the deceased at home. We can arrange to move the deceased to another location in preparation for burial.
What does a green burial look like?
Green burials or funerals look very much like any other kind of funeral except extra care is made to make sure that the burial won’t have any negative impact on the environment.
There are five principles of green burials according to Green Burial Canada.
- No embalming
- Direct earth burial – the remains are shrouded and then either buried directly or placed in a fully biodegradable casket. Cardboard caskets are often used.
- Ecological restoration and conservation – after some time, the surface of the grave is planted with indigenous plants such as groundcover, shrubs or trees. These can be pre-planned.
- Communal Memorialization – the use of individual memorials or headstones is discouraged.
- Optimize land use – a well planned green burial cemetery will minimize the use of infrastructure such as roads. The re-use of graves in a green cemetery can also be accommodated if well-managed.
For Manitobans, only the first two principles are easily achieved. Currently, we do not have any green burial cemeteries available in the province. Cemeteries will respond to what their customers want. So if enough people request green burial options, we can expect more options of this kind to become available.
If you’re interested in exploring the idea of a green or natural burial, we would be honoured to help you understand how it will work. Call us at 204-219-1126.
We answer questions about funerals in this space regularly. If you have a question about funerals, cremations or burials in Winnipeg or Manitoba, please email me at richard@richardrosin.ca
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Yes, You Can Get Biodegradable Caskets in Winnipeg When I originally wrote about biodegradable caskets back in 2020, natural and green burial options were still relatively unfamiliar to many people in Winnipeg. A lot has changed since then. Awareness and interest in natural green burial have continued to grow. In June 2025, the City of Winnipeg’s Brookside Cemetery became the first cemetery in Manitoba to receive Green Burial Provider Certification from the Green Burial Society of Canada. And in June 2026, we were proud to become the first funeral company in Manitoba to be certified by the Society as a Green Burial Funeral Service Provider. For families who want a more environmentally conscious approach to burial, there are now more options to consider. What Is Available? There are many choices, but these are three of the most common: Caskets Natural caskets can be made from sustainable wood or woven materials such as tree branches. They are made without metal handles or hinges and use natural or organic finishes. Burial Trays These simple carriers, made from sustainable wood, offer another option for natural burial. Burial Shrouds A burial shroud can be as simple as a natural cotton wrapping placed in or on a casket or burial tray. There are also specially designed shrouds with reinforced strapping that allow pallbearers to carry the person and lower them into the grave. We’ve also worked with families who have provided their own shrouds. These products can be purchased online, locally, or through a funeral director who offers environmentally friendly funeral and burial options. Choosing a Natural Burial Product Whenever possible, I like to support local options. Here in Winnipeg, we are fortunate to have The Village Casketmaker , which has been making caskets and urns locally for more than 20 years. We also purchase natural cotton and make our own simple burial shrouds. Another option we support is Mourning Cloak Shrouds , which creates shrouds designed so they can also be used to carry the person. What Is Right for You? There isn’t one natural burial product that is right for everyone. You may be thinking about the environmental impact, where the product is made, the materials used, cost, or simply what feels most appropriate for you or your family. That’s part of what we’re here to help you work through. If you have questions about biodegradable caskets, burial trays, shrouds or green burial options in Winnipeg, give us a call at 204-219-1126 or email richard@richardrosin.ca . We’re here when you need us.
You do NOT have to buy an urn from the funeral home or cemetery.
We Come To You Arrangements in the Comfort of Your Home
A helpful guide when making funeral arrangements.
The Five Principles of Green Burial A Guide To Environmentally Friendly Death Care Practices
Green Burial in Winnipeg: A Sustainable, Meaningful End-of-Life Choice As the world gets warmer, many of us are trying to reduce our impact cutting energy use, composting, and advocating for change. But there’s one question most people haven’t considered: What will your environmental legacy be after you’re gone? For many families in Winnipeg, that question is leading them to explore a more natural, meaningful option: Green Burial. What Is Green Burial? Simply put, Green Burial is the way people cared for their dead long before the modern funeral industry existed. It’s a return to simplicity. A return to nature. Green Burial reflects your values your desire to reduce your impact on the earth, even in death. It allows the body to return naturally to the soil, continuing the cycle of life that has been practised across cultures for thousands of years. The 5 Core Principles of Green Burial Green Burial is guided by five key principles: No embalming, Direct earth burial Ecological restoration & conservation plans Simple memorialization Optimized land use These principles ensure that the process is as gentle on the environment as it is meaningful for families. Common Misconceptions About Green Burial Some people believe Green Burial is: A new or fringe idea Only for environmentalists A lower-cost, “less meaningful” option A poor use of land Less environmentally friendly than cremation The truth is quite different. Green Burial is actually one of the oldest traditions in human history , practised across cultures for generations. Today, it’s growing in popularity because it aligns with the values of people from all walks of life and want their final act to reflect how they lived. And for many families, it becomes a deeply meaningful way to honour a loved one, rooted in simplicity, presence, and connection. Green Burial Options in Winnipeg In Canada, the Green Burial Society of Canada certifies funeral homes and cemeteries that meet strict environmental standards. There are currently certified sites across the country, including right here in Winnipeg. Brookside Cemetery officially certified its Green Burial section in June 2025, making it possible for local families to choose this sustainable option close to home. Why It Matters: Your Environmental Legacy Most people don’t realize they have one final opportunity to make an impact. Your Environmental Legacy doesn’t stop when your heart does. There is still one more decision to make, one more way to reflect your values, care for your community, and protect the earth for future generations. Start the Conversation If Green Burial speaks to you, the next step is simple: Ask questions. Have conversations. Make a plan. Because the best decisions are made with clarity not in a moment of urgency. Questions about Green Burial? Richard Rosin, Winnipeg’s Friendliest Undertaker Call 204-219-1126 or email us to learn more.
