The Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home of Allentown offers green burial and environmentally-friendly options for honoring loved ones when a death occurs. A green burial returns the decedent to the earth naturally without artificial preservation. Burial can be done with coffins made from wicker, bamboo, seagrass, cardboard or all-wood constructed caskets.

Natural burial plans are available at Fountain Hill Cemetery, in the Green Meadow section, where no concrete vaults, metal caskets or embalming chemicals are permitted. If someone owns space at other cemeteries, eco-friendly components can still be offered to make the burial natural.

Biodegradable, natural cremation urns, designed to return the remains back to the earth either in ground or water, are also available. It should be noted however that cremation is generally not considered eco-friendly because of the large amounts of fuels needed for the process.

“Green burial plans are on average about 30 percent less expensive than traditional funeral services,” explains Elias. “We are available to discuss natural burial options as well as the benefits of pre-planning with families.”

Elias is a lifelong Allentown resident who has had an interest in funeral service since a very early age. He believes in green burial for himself and his family and wanted to be among the first to offer green burial and funeral plans in the Lehigh Valley.

Location: 1227 Hamilton St., Allentown. For more information, call 610-433-2200 or visit EliasFuneralHome.com.