the adoption of this method, in which the buried body transforms itself to its natural elements inside a bio-degradable coffin or while wrapped in a bio-degradable shroud. Usually, a tree is planted over the grave instead of the conventional headstone, serving the purpose of a living memorial to the dead. As more and more such spaces (graves) are created, the green area expands creating a protected wild-life preservation area, and come to be known as green burial grounds, woodland cemeteries, memorial nature preserves and so on.
Prevention of decay
The process followed to preserve a dead body against decay is called embalming, and
is carried out in many cultures. A very elaborate method is mummification delaying the decomposition to a great extent.
Usually, the bodies are wrapped in a shroud and then placed in a coffin or a casket. The casket or coffin is further protected by a liner or by the arched roof of a vault, so as to prevent it from collapsing due to the weight of the earth on top, and to being carried away by water in the event of a flood.
The decaying process is to some extent slowed down by these external containers, which prevent bacteria from physically attacking the body and decomposing it, though the process can not entirely be stopped. The liners also prevent exposure of the body to the elements if the covering soil is washed away by heavy rains or flood.
In some cultures, however, the aim is not to preserve the body for a length of time, but to allow it to be one with the Earth in a natural manner. For instance, in Orthodox Judaism the coffins including the pegs are made of wood, and nothing metallic is used, so as to help the body to become
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