Funerals Are Going “Green”
I read a recent article from an Oregon newspaper about environmentally-friendly burials. Apparently, the state that pioneered the “green” movement is extending its reaches to even the most sacred of areas: death.
Oregon, one of the nation’s leaders in the number of cremations per state (fourth behind Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington), also offers a number of additional options for green burials. For instance, many believe traditional methods of burial expend too many resources, so the simpler the better. In Oregon, there are no laws that require embalming, funeral home transport, or even burial in a cemetery. Some have chosen to bury their loved ones in their own backyards, quite literally. As far as caskets go, you can bet Oregon merchants have biodegradable ones available.
There are, of course, a number of advantages to “green” burials, the greatest of which is cost. According to the article, while a no-frills-no-gimmicks funeral will run you around $6,000, an eco-friendly one will cost about half of that. Not to mention, you’ll be contributing to the overall betterment of the environment at-large.
Finally, the article makes a convincing argument that green funerals allow a family more freedom to grieve and remember their loved one in a manner that’s not confined to the rigid and traditional practices of society. Frankly, that’s sounds like the way it should have always been, and should continue to be.
[photo: Tom (hmm a rosa tint)]
Tags: biodegradable caskets, environmentally-friendly, green burials, green funeral, Oregon
