Reducing The Environmental Footprint Of Death
When people die, they can still create negative impacts on the environment. Green burials are becoming a popular way to address this environmental concern.
"So-called 'green burials' are catching on in some areas as an alternative to traditional burial. They are simple, often more affordable and environmentally friendly."
"Formaldehyde-based embalming is taboo in green burials, as are concrete burial vaults. Caskets are made of biodegradable material, and sometimes the deceased are wrapped in shrouds alone."
"According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a traditional funeral is $6,500 plus cemetery costs."
"A green burial can be significantly less costly — in some locations, it's only a few thousand dollars; the burial of cremated remains is even less."
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Misplaced priorities even in death
The article dovetails nicely with the teardowns article. In life, must we blow our money on greater displays of wealth and in death, do we really we to spend money on something we won't appreciate and the living can't use? A headstone is ok and it's the only thing most people will look at. I'm a true cheapskate to the bitter end and hope my kids can use the money more productively than burying me like an Egyptian pharaoh.
You can always leave your body to medical science but most people won't do it. I've heard most funeral directors are told by the people they know that would be embarassed to seen naked by somebody they knew in life.
On that macabre note, Merry Christmas. I'm not dying anytime soon but I'm going on vacation tomorrow.