Green Burial Council Approved

The Green Burial Council is an independent, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization working to encourage environmentally sustainable deathcare and the use of burial as a new means of protecting natural areas.

Green Burial Council Standards/Eco-Rating System for Funeral Homes

A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors

Three Leaf Rating

Each GBC approved funeral home will be given a rating based upon the following additional criteria that is met:

Provider allows for the families of decedents to have the option of a public viewing without embalming or with the use of GBC approved post-mortem fluids.
Provider carries at least three GBC approved/rated burial containers.
Provider accommodates home vigils without embalming or with the use of GBC approved post-mortem fluids.
Provider has at least one staff member who has participated in educational training (minimum six hours) approved by the GBC, which covers technical, practical and ethical issues of eco-friendly funeral service
Provider makes available the sanitation, preservation, and restoration of a decedent with the use of non-invasive techniques/materials (required for a “three leaf” rating)

1 criterion met earns a “one leaf" rating

2-3 criteria met earns a “two leaf” rating

4-5 criteria met earns a “three leaf” rating

"The funeral director went over and above to see that we were taken care of. He made the experience a caring one."

~ JB