As the environmental movement has entered the main stream of Americas' consciousness, even funerals and burials have been impacted.
The "Green Burial" movement provides an alternative to traditional cemeteries.
Green cemeteries permit earth burial but without the concrete burial vault. Caskets are to be biodegradable material and are not even required. It is preferable that the body not be embalmed. Cremated remains are welcome also.
Green cemeteries strive to keep their natural appearance whether open fields of wild flowers or wooded areas. Tombstones are not permitted.
The closest green cemetery to Torrington and the one Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home is most familiar with is located in New York State near Elmira. It's a 100 acre preserve called Greensprings. You may visit the Greensprings website at: naturalburial.org