Bringing Natural Burial to the Seacoast
Lotus and Lavender Burial is a Seacoast-based nonprofit working to create a natural burial (also called green burial) cemetery in the Seacoast. We think that we’re in the home stretch of receiving approval from the IRS to operate financially as a 501(c)(13) nonprofit, a process that can take a year or more! As we move closer to our nonprofit approval, we’re starting to look in earnest for the land for the cemetery - see below for more details.
Announcements!
We are looking for land! What we need to get started is:
At least 3 acres in a rural or semi-rural setting
Mostly cleared land (preferable)
Within 30 minutes of Portsmouth (preferable)
No wetlands within 100ft
A gift, sale or long-term lease of land to Lotus and Lavender Burial has many advantages. We would love to discuss possibilities with you. Discussions will remain confidential.
We are available for private green burial consulting and death doula work!
What is natural burial?
For most of human existence, bodies were buried in the ground to decompose after death. As humans tend to do, we’ve evolved this process to become complicated, toxic and expensive. What is now being called natural or green burial is a return to the traditional practice of simply burying a body in the ground and not impeding the natural decomposition process. This method allows the body to nourish the environment while creating the opportunity for a beautiful farewell and final resting place in nature.
Some Criteria and Characteristics of Natural Burial Cemeteries:
Caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that
aids in the conservation of natural resources
No vaults or toxic embalming fluid
Chooses biodegradable containers, caskets, or shrouds
Sequesters 25lbs of carbon + reduces carbon emissions
Conserves land from development
“Being pro-green burial doesn’t make anyone anti-funeral or anti-cremation. Above all, we’re for having the ability to choose and are working to fill a gap that Seacoast families have been missing for years.” - Hanna Ingle, Funeral Director, Dover, NH
Lotus and Lavender Burial
“Bill’s green burial was the only funeral I have ever been to that made me feel good, instead of awful. It felt hopeful, not sad.”
- Perry King
Our vision is wildflower meadow and woodland burials. We will partner with local artisans for simple pine coffins, wool burial shrouds, and wicker caskets and incorporate live and dried flowers whenever possible. The graves will be marked with GPS plus grave markers flush with the ground and/or native plantings, as desired. And this natural, special place will forever be accessible to visit for remembrance and a reminder of the interconnectedness of life.
From our founder, Sarah:
“I treasure existing cemeteries and appreciate the creativity and flexibility that cremation provides.”
“I dream of a future where existing cemeteries are honored and beautifully maintained. Where cremation is proudly chosen when it’s the right fit.”
“And where new cemeteries are integrated with parks, trail systems or conservation land for more sustainable land use and to enhance communities with more vibrant natural spaces to enjoy.”
“Where an environmentally sustainable option becomes widely available and the impact of our current practices become common knowledge, allowing more informed decisions.”