There is a movement that's been sweeping America in recent years, and surprisingly, it began in our neighbor and sister state, South Carolina. It's a burial practice that doesn't involve harsh chemicals, or even huge concrete vaults, and the cemeteries are unlike anything you've seen before. There aren't any rows of perfectly lined headstones, or beautiful (yet giant) mausoleums.

The cemeteries are more like parks.

They're filled with color, trails, walking paths, flowers and trees. They're the kind of place you can spend the day, or even get married.

They're commonly referred to as "green cemeteries." And a funeral here is rather unique.

North Carolina's Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, located halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville, is a conservation and green cemetery where burials follow a more natural order that doesn't involve embalming fluids, or even traditional caskets.

In fact, burials here don't have to utilize a casket at all.

It's perfectly natural (and legal) for a loved one to be wrapped in a shroud of (biodegradable) fabric. Families are invited to join in with the burial process, from start to finish, if that's their preference.

Any form of biodegradable coffin (preferrably locally-sourced) is perfectly welcome, even a cardboard coffin.

The Sanctuary sees plenty of people making their end of life plans well ahead of the actual event. As with any traditional funeral home, at this unique cemetery, you can go in, sit with a consultant and select your preferences - all the way down to touring the sanctuary and selecting the very spot where you want to spend eternity.

If you prefer something a little more substantial than a cardboard box (or shrouds of fabric) you can also choose to be buried in a woven basket.

You may wonder if this is all legal - and it is. This natural burial preserve follows all of the guidelines as set for by the State of North Carolina. It also follows the guidelines of Green Burials as determined by the Green Burial Council.

A variety of locations throughout the Sanctuary are available, as are pet burial grounds. Or, if you choose, you can opt to have your pet's cremated remains buried with you.

The beautiful and serene setting of the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary is a living memorial as well as a public park where visitors can come to reflect and relax.

Would you ever consider a green burial, or do you know someone who has?

Carolina Memorial Sanctuary is located at 195 Blessed Way, Mills River, NC 28759. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also, Blessed Way is a new street located off of Old Fanning Bridge Road and does not show up on all maps yet. You'll find turn-by-turn directions on this page of the official website for Carolina Memorial Sanctuary.

If you're curious and want to learn more, then check out this green burial preserve located in our neighboring state of South Carolina.