Natural & Green Burial Options in Kingston


Families today are increasingly thoughtful about the environmental impact of their final arrangements. Natural and green burial options reflect a growing interest in reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and supporting responsible land stewardship.

At Cataraqui Cemetery, we support environmentally conscious choices through long-established practices, flexible policies, and careful stewardship of the land. As Kingston’s not-for-profit provider of cemetery, funeral, cremation, and monument services, families benefit from the convenience of many services under one roof, supported by experienced and licensed professionals.

While Cataraqui Cemetery does not currently operate a dedicated green burial section, the historic operation and design of this 175+ year old  cemetery does provide many available options that continue to support environmentally conscious burial practices.


What Is Natural or Green Burial?

Natural or green burial is not a single fixed concept, but rather a range of choices that reduce environmental disturbance and support responsible land use. These choices are guided by values such as conservation, land stewardship, and the use of natural or responsibly sourced materials.

For some families, natural burial means avoiding unnecessary materials, reducing land disturbance, and allowing the body to return to the earth in a more natural way. For others, it may involve selecting biodegradable materials, reducing chemical use, or minimizing environmental impact where possible.

There is no single "right" approach. Many families choose options that reflect their personal values, cultural traditions, environmental priorities, and budget considerations.

Green burial should be understood as a values-based choice rather than a budget-driven decision. Environmentally responsible products and practices can sometimes involve specialized materials or processes that may increase costs rather than reduce them.


Environmentally Conscious Choices at Cataraqui Cemetery

Cataraqui Cemetery supports a range of environmentally conscious burial practices that allow families to make thoughtful and responsible decisions.

Available options may include:

  • Vault-free burial — outer burial vaults are not required for casket or cremation interments, reducing the use of concrete and pla
  • No embalming requirement — embalming is not mandatory, allowing families to choose more natural preparation methods when appropriate
  • Natural materials — biodegradable and sustainably produced caskets and urns are permitted and available, including options made from wood, bamboo, and other natural  or responsibly sourced materials
  • Reduced mechanical impact — when conditions permit, families may request hand-dug graves to reduce mechanical disturbance
  • Flexible memorialization — some areas allow alternative memorial approaches without requiring traditional upright monuments
  • Efficient land use — cremated remains may be interred together within a single grave space, supporting thoughtful land use

These options allow families to make environmentally conscious decisions without requiring a dedicated green burial section.


A Landscape Designed to Endure

Cataraqui Cemetery's historic and heritage designated landscape is defined by its mature trees, gardens, and expansive green spaces. The cemetery is actively maintained as  a living landscape, with practices that support long-term care of the grounds and preservation of its natural character. As caretakers of this historic property, we recognize our ongoing responsibility to thoughtful land stewardship that respects both the landscape and the families who entrust it to our care

Identified by the City of Kingston as a contributory woodland, the cemetery’s protected character provides a peaceful setting for reflection while preserving the natural environment for future generations.

In addition to traditional memorials, Cataraqui Cemetery offers garden and tree-based memorial opportunities that allow families to honour loved ones through living elements that grow and change with time.


Respecting Choice and Values

Choosing natural or environmentally conscious burial options is a personal decision. Some families seek the most natural possible approach, while others prefer to blend traditional practices with environmentally responsible choices.

Cataraqui Cemetery is committed to respecting these choices and guiding families through available options with clarity and care.

Natural and green burial at Cataraqui Cemetery is about thoughtful choices, responsible stewardship, and lasting remembrance within a historic and carefully maintained landscape.


To Learn More

To learn more about natural and green burial options in Kingston, or to discuss environmentally conscious burial choices, families are encouraged to contact our staff for a no-obligation consultation.

As Kingston’s not-for-profit provider of cemetery, funeral, cremation, and monument services, Cataraqui Cemetery & Funeral Services offers families the convenience of many services under one roof, supported by experienced and licensed professionals.

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