MAINE PUBLIC • February 24, 2023
Baldwin Hill, which the Kennebec Land Trust recently opened, is the first conservation cemetery in Maine, and the property includes 90 acres of conserved land, with 10 reserved for burials. Until recently, there were two other dedicated green burial cemeteries in Maine. And there are a few conventional cemeteries that have added or are looking to add sections dedicated to green burial. Sixty percent of Americans say they’re interested in exploring green funeral options because of the environmental benefits and cost savings. While traditional or conventional burial produces an estimated 250 pounds of carbon, green burial sequesters 25 pounds of carbon, according to Green Burial Council. The body also releases nutrients back into the soil, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Then there’s the added sequestration of greenhouse gases through land conservation for cemeteries like Baldwin Hill.