When faced with the loss of a loved one, the support of a caring and knowledgeable funerary staff can make an overwhelming and challenging time more manageable. For those honoring someone with a deep commitment to the environment, partnering with a funeral home that understands and provides green burial services offers additional peace of mind.

Kuhn Funeral Homes, with five locations in the Berks County region, is a trusted resource for end-of-life-planning, coordination and green burial options. The funeral home is one of a select number certified by the Green Burial Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental sustainability in the funeral service industry.

Michael Kuhn represents the third generation of his family to lead Kuhn Funeral Homes, and his son, Michael Jr., joined the company this year, marking the fourth generation. Laura Adamo, a Pennsylvania-licensed funeral director, Buddhist and yoga practitioner, is part of the Kuhn team. She transitioned into the field after years of hospice volunteering and a desire to be more involved in family-led death care.

She went on to explain that in spring 2024, Kuhn Funeral Homes hosted its first annual educational event at Berks Nature, bringing together green cemetery staff, funeral directors and families to share their experience with alternative funerals and green burial. The event included discussions on caskets and shrouds, as well as body preparation methods suitable for green funerals, including refrigeration, the use of topical sprays or compounds, and arterial embalming with essential oils.

Adamo, who views Kuhn Funeral Homes as a significant milestone in the green burial field, says, “The team of professionals here at Kuhn are some of the most compassionate and caring people on the planet, and they truly care about every family that comes to us. Whether a family has experienced a loss, is anticipating a loss or just wishes to have their final arrangements in place in case of the unexpected, our Green Burial Council-certified funeral home is prepared to meet families where they are and provide the highest level of service.”

She also hosts workshops at partner cemeteries and Kuhn’s West Reading location, which is home to a showroom of biodegradable caskets and urns. “I am dedicated to ensuring that families can consider all of their options when it comes to caring for their deceased loved ones and planning a fitting tribute,” emphasizes Adamo. “We recognize that simple and sustainable funerals are just as meaningful and just as important as more traditional or elaborate arrangements.”

This year, the funeral home plans to partner with out-of-state facilities offering terramation services, as Pennsylvania legislation on the process remains pending. Adamo also mentioned that their second annual educational event at Berks Nature is scheduled for April 24, 2025, with sessions at noon and 5:30 pm.

For those that wish to learn more or explore green burial preplanning, Adamo and her team at Kuhn Funeral Homes are a reliable source in southeastern Pennsylvania. They will be able to explain green burial options and answer all questions related to this important and ecologically relevant service.