Green or Direct Burials

Explore Eco-Friendly Burial Options for Your Loved Ones

At John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc, we understand the growing interest in environmentally conscious burial practices. We offer green and direct burial services that align with your values and provide a meaningful farewell.

Green burial addresses environmental concerns whereas upon death the body is not cremated or embalmed. It is placed in its natural state in a casket or pouch that will decompose into nature along with the body. Embalming as we know it today actually became popular during the Civil War where wealthy soldiers were prepared and shipped home for their families peace of mind. Prior to that a deceased was simply buried in ground in its natural state without chemicals or preservatives—what we now call a green burial.

John P. Feeney Funeral Home has been offering green burial options for more than 10 years and was the first to offer it through advertising in 2007.

All of our packages include removal from place of death and transport to cemetery.

This package can also be used for those not wishing to have a viewing of the body prior to burial (direct burial).

Our services include:

• Biodegradable caskets and urns
• Natural burial grounds
• Minimal embalming options
• Simplified funeral processes
• Environmentally friendly burial practices

If you're considering a green or direct burial, reach out to us for personalized guidance.

Honoring Your Loved Ones While Respecting the Environment

Green and direct burials offer a way to celebrate life while minimizing environmental impact. These options may be right for you if:

• Environmental conservation is important to you or your loved one
• You prefer a simpler, more natural approach to burial
• You're looking for cost-effective funeral options
• You want to reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials
• You're interested in supporting local ecosystems

Our team at John P. Feeney Funeral Home is here to help you navigate these choices and create a meaningful, eco-friendly farewell.

Direct Burial / Green Burial Service

Our direct/green burial service includes basic professional services of Funeral Director and staff, pick up of body from place of death, transportation of body to the funeral home, holding of body in refrigeration up to 3 days, data entry of all biographical information, completion of the death certificate, submission of notice to social security, completion and submission of Veteran notice of death to Berks Veteran Association (if applicable), minimum metal casket, and transport to cemetery. This package does not include a viewing or religious service, embalming, dressing, casketing, cosmeticizing), graveside service, use of hearse, cemetery fees, website obituary ($100), newspaper obituary (varies), death certificates ($20 each), cash advances or other non-essentials.

​Additional transportation costs added for pick ups outside of Berks County.

Why Choose John P. Feeney Funeral Home

When you're considering green or direct burial options, John P. Feeney Funeral Home stands out as your trusted partner. Here's why families in Reading, PA, choose us:

• Family and veteran-owned business since 1941
• Dedicated support for veterans
• 24/7 availability for immediate funeral needs
• Free consultations to discuss your options
• Dignified services at affordable rates
• One convenient location in Reading, PA

We're committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that honors your loved ones and respects your choices.

Contact Us

Planning a green or direct burial can seem overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved one is honored in an environmentally conscious way.

Contact us today to learn more about our green and direct burial services and how we can help you create a meaningful, eco-friendly farewell for your loved one.