Green Death Practices Gain Traction

There is a rising interest in eco-friendly body disposal options due to concerns about the environmental impact of conventional death practices like embalming, fire cremation, and casket burials. Embalming uses carcinogens like formaldehyde, while fire cremation consumes significant fossil fuels. Traditional burials use materials like wood, metal, and concrete, contributing to carbon emissions and land use. Alternatives gaining traction include natural organic reduction (human composting) offered by companies like Earth Funeral, which is legal in 14 U.S. states, and alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) provided by companies such as Be a Tree, which uses significantly less energy than fire cremation. Conservation burials, like those at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, combine natural decomposition with land protection, sequestering carbon and restoring ecological habitats. The Green Burial Council is actively guiding standards for these green practices, indicating a broader industry shift towards sustainability.