Live Green, Die Green: Eco-Friendly Burials

As green living continues to grow in popularity, one survey reports that 43% of American over 50 would consider a green burial:

• Green burials are offered in almost 30 cemeteries nationwide.
• Green options include biodegradable caskets and formaldehyde-free embalming fluids.
• Cremated remains are accepted at green cemeteries; however, they must be placed in a biodegradable urn. 
• In addition to protecting the environment, a green burial is less expensive than a traditional funeral and for some, it offers a stronger connection to the dust-to-dust aspect of burial.

One green burial proponent has even considered buying his casket and using it as a coffee table.  See Katherine Lackey, Eco-conscious rest easy going green eternally, Feb. 2010.