More families today are seeking funeral options that reflect their love for both their loved ones and the planet. At Baue Funeral Homes, we are proud to meet that need as a Green Burial Certified Funeral Home—the first of its kind in the St. Charles area. Certified by the Green Burial Council (GBC), this recognition affirms our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and environmentally conscious end-of-life care.

What Is a Green Burial Certified Funeral Home?

The Green Burial Council is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that sets the standards for sustainable funeral practices. Their certification ensures that funeral homes follow environmentally responsible procedures, avoid harmful chemicals, and provide clear information to families about green options. Being Green Burial Certified means that Baue Funeral Homes complies with the GBC’s strict environmental and ethical guidelines. For families in St. Charles, St. Louis County, and surrounding Missouri communities, this certification offers peace of mind—knowing that your choices truly make a difference for the environment. At Baue, we believe that caring for the planet is an extension of caring for one another. We are honored to give families options that align with their values, traditions, and love of nature.

Formaldehyde-Free Embalming: A Safer, Sustainable Option Traditional embalming often uses formaldehyde-based fluids that can be harmful to both the environment and those who handle them. To provide a safer, greener alternative, Baue offers Formaldehyde-Free Embalming—an eco-friendly solution that allows families to have a traditional open-casket viewing without sacrificing environmental responsibility. Our gentle, biodegradable embalming fluid preserves the body naturally and safely. Families can take comfort in knowing their loved one’s final care is handled with compassion and sustainability in mind.

Hybrid Green Burials at St. Charles Memorial Gardens

At Baue, we understand that families want options that blend tradition with ecological mindfulness. That’s why we offer hybrid green burials at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

A hybrid green burial takes place in a conventional cemetery setting but follows environmentally friendly practices—such as:

• Choosing a biodegradable casket, urn, or burial shroud
• Reducing the use of concrete vaults
• Skipping or using formaldehyde-free embalming
• Allowing natural decomposition and the return of the body to the earth

These thoughtful choices reduce a burial’s carbon footprint while preserving the beauty of the land for future generations. Our families appreciate that they can still gather in the peaceful, familiar surroundings of St. Charles Memorial Gardens while making a choice that honors both life and nature.

Eco-Friendly Cremation: The Future of Sustainable Farewell

Baue Funeral Homes proudly offers Alkaline Hydrolysis, also known as Flameless Cremation. Flameless cremation uses significantly less energy, no air emissions like mercury or greenhouse gases, and reduces the environmental impact compared to flame-based cremation and traditional burial.

What Is Flameless Cremation?

Flameless cremation is a natural water-based process that uses a combination of water, natural salts, and gentle flow to return the body to its essential elements. The process takes 12–14 hours and mirrors what happens in nature during burial, only accelerated and contained within a clean, controlled environment.

When complete, the result is pure, sterile ashes that can be returned to the family in the same way as traditional cremation remains.

The Environmental Benefits of Flameless Cremation

Choosing Alkaline Hydrolysis cremation means choosing a process that is better for the planet:

• 85% Less Energy: It uses a fraction of the energy required for flame-based cremation.
• Zero Air Emissions: No greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, or mercury are released.
• Water-Based and Safe: The process is clean and non-toxic, leaving behind no environmental pollutants.
• Natural Decomposition: It mirrors what would naturally occur in the soil, without requiring flame or excessive heat.

By selecting flameless cremation in St. Charles, families are embracing innovation that respects both science and nature, creating a final tribute that reflects care, dignity, and sustainability.

Why Families Choose Baue Funeral Homes for Green Services

Baue Funeral Homes has been a trusted name in St. Charles and St. Louis communities for generations. Our mission has always been to help families honor life with compassion, care, and respect. Becoming a Green Burial Certified Funeral Home is a continuation of that legacy, a reflection of our dedication to both people and the planet.

Families choose Baue because we offer:

• Certified green burial and cremation options
• Experienced funeral directors trained in eco-conscious care
• Flexible, personalized services for every faith, tradition, and preference
• Peaceful cemetery grounds at St. Charles Memorial Gardens for hybrid burials
• Compassionate support throughout the planning process

We take pride in helping families make informed decisions that feel right emotionally, spiritually, and environmentally.

Honoring the Planet as We Honor Life

Every funeral or memorial is a reflection of what mattered most to the person being honored. For many, that includes a deep respect for nature and a desire to leave the world a little better than they found it.

Whether through a formaldehyde-free embalming, a hybrid green burial, or flameless cremation, Baue Funeral Homes assists families to celebrate life while protecting the earth.

Plan a Green Funeral or Cremation in St. Charles, Missouri

If you are interested in learning more about green burial in Missouri, eco-friendly cremation near St. Louis, or flameless cremation services in St. Charles, we invite you to reach out to our caring team. Baue Funeral Homes is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you plan a farewell that honors both your loved one’s life and the world they leave behind.