Natural Burials
A Gentle Return to the Earth
Natural burial is an environmentally conscious choice that allows the body to return to the earth with minimal environmental impact. At Mount Pleasant Group, we offer natural burial options that honour both the individual and the planet, providing a serene, respectful and sustainable alternative to traditional burial.
What Is Natural Burial?
Natural burial is a method of interment that avoids embalming and uses only biodegradable materials such as simple caskets, urns or shrouds. This approach supports the natural decomposition process and helps preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
Unlike conventional burial, natural burial emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, allowing nature to take its course in a peaceful, undisturbed setting.
Mount Pleasant Group was the first to introduce natural burial to the Greater Toronto Area in 2012. Today, we offer two dedicated natural burial sections:
- Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton
- Duffin Meadows Cemetery in Pickering
Each location is designed to reflect the principles of natural burial, with native grasses, self-seeding wildflowers and a commitment to preserving the natural landscape.
Our Approach to Natural Burial
Our natural burial grounds are carefully maintained to balance ecological integrity with the safety and comfort of visitors. Key features include:
- No embalming and only biodegradable burial materials
- Graves left to grow naturally, promoting a “tread-free” mindset
- No individual tokens or decorations on graves to preserve the natural setting
- Central memorial feature areas for reflection and remembrance
Single depth casket burial to ensure natural decomposition
This approach ensures a respectful, low-impact return to the earth while maintaining a tranquil environment for all who visit.
Interment Rights and Burial Options
Interment rights in our natural burial sections include:
- Single graves that can accommodate:
- One casket and one biodegradable urn with cremated remains
- Two biodegradable urns of cremated remains
- Scattering of cremated remains is not permitted in these sections
Our team is available to guide you through the process and help you choose the option that best reflects your values and wishes.
We are proud to be the first company in Canada to offer the Loop Living Cocoon™ coffin and Loop EarthRise™urn – innovative, biodegradable funeral products grown from mycelium (the root network of mushrooms) and upcycled hemp fibres.
