Goal For The Green

It is something we all have to do someday, – I’m talking about, we all have to die.  We hate to talk about it, much less, plan and prepare for it. In this economy, it’s hard to except the fact, that dying costs thousands of dollars. We wouldn’t want to take out a personal loan, just to afford to bury a loved one, but that, often times is the case.

The $11 billion, funeral industry has been looking at, what can be done to appeal to those, who want to go green and save green, when the end of life comes.  While, this is an industry that is slow to change, there are many cemeteries and funeral homes, that are now accommodating the desire, for green burials.

It really is nothing new.  We started the embalming process, during the Civil War era, and prior to that people were buried in the ground. Greening the final process of dying, gives us the option, of doing away with embalming practices, that include the use of formaldehyde.

Shrouds and wicker type caskets, are now choices, in the green burial process, doing away with the cement liner, or vault, that the casket is placed in, and then covered with more cement, and then, dirt.  Did you know, that each year approximately 1.6 million tons of cement, is used in this country, in the burial process?  That is enough, to build an new highway, from Seattle to Phoenix.

For now, direct cremation is the cheapest option, for the near and foreseeable future. Cremations range from around $500 to $2000, which is by far less than, the average of $7,500 minimal, for the average complete funeral and burial. There are also, urns that are biodegradable, and even ones for out on the water, that decompose.

If you are interested in learning more about green burials , and other services, contact a funeral director in your area.  Another, great resource on the topic is the Green Burial Council.  They certify funeral providers and cemeteries, and provide information for the public.

Demand from the public, will determine and drive, what funeral directors offer.  Only time and eternity, will tell the story, if green burials will take off as a new industry standard.  For now, cremation is the quickest, and cheapest way for a green ending to life.