The Eco-Deathcare Buzz.

I’ve gotten lots of questions lately about the ecology of final disposition and alternate options to traditional burial or heat-based cremation. Let’s talk about it.

Many are being intentional about maximizing their kindness footprint – and minimizing their carbon footprint. How our death will be handled is an inevitable part of that equation, and many want to ensure their funeral and final disposition have the least negative impact on the earth – and on loved ones.

Traditional Burial

Burial in a cemetery either in-ground or in a mausoleum provides a lasting tribute to a life and a place for family members to visit for generations. Many choose estate options where current and future family members can be interred together, a gift of connection and memorialization. From single burial spaces to private mausoleums, traditional burial is still a very popular and culturally normalized method of disposition. And some religious traditions still require burial.

But with increasing eco-consciousness and the minimalist movement, there are many seeking different options. Traditional burial may use toxic chemicals for embalming as well as metals, plastics, treated/painted woods, and other materials for caskets, vaults, and markers/monuments. Not to mention the space used for cemeteries or materials needed to build large mausoleums. Many are seeking alternative methods of disposition that are friendlier to the air, soil, and water.

What about cremation?

According to the Cremation Association of North America, 57.5% of the US population in 2021 chose cremation. The process of cremation reduces some direct impacts such as the use of space and chemicals/materials buried in the ground and offers a variety of different options for a final resting place, such as the Green Burial Council-certified Neptune Memorial Reef, an under-ocean cremation cemetery off the coast of Florida. (I’m certified to help families plan for Neptune Memoria Reef – ask me for more info). Other options include glass-front niches, columbaria niches, cremation pedestals and benches, cremation burial spaces, and more. Ask me about a tour of one of our local cremation gardens.

I worked with someone who showed me their collection of urns from the dogs they had rescued and provided sanctuary for over the years. The final wish – to be cremated and scattered in a field with all the dogs so they could play there together forever….

However, there are still impact considerations. For example, the average cremation produces approximately 140 lbs. of CO2 (stat from the Green Burial Council).

Other chemicals may be released into the atmosphere during the cremation process. Further, scattering and burial of ashes may have unintended consequences. While ashes are dense in nutrients plants need such as calcium and phosphorus, they also contain salt which can be harmful. Other impacts may include changes to the PH level of the soil or the introduction of high amounts of one nutrient that may impede the absorption of other nutrients. For these reasons, scattering in waterways is regulated by the EPA, scattering in the ocean must be 3 miles off-shore, and permits or permission are needed in most cases for scattering on public or private property.

Are there alternatives to cremation by heat?

Alkaline Hydrosis, (sometimes called resomation, aquamation, water cremation, or bio cremation), is the cremation method using water, chemicals, and agitation to accelerate decomposition. It is legal in most states, including Florida (Florida’s definition of cremation includes methods other than incineration. (Florida Statutes § 497.005.)). You can visit the Cremation Association for information on the process and providers. I found two providers that appear to be established in or coming to Florida: Water Cremation Services in Bonita Springs and Gentle Water Cremation in West Palm Beach. See their sites for more information and to sign up for their newsletters. You do not have to live there to use them; there are transportation options I can review with you.

What about natural or green burial?

Natural burial may be done in a regular ole’ cemetery. You can reduce impacts by declining to be embalmed (or requesting green embalming fluid), using no casket or a natural casket inside the vault, using eco-friendly memorialization, and more. Even how you plan your memorialization and funeral services can be influenced by your eco-conscience. Many want to be in a traditional cemetery; they may have family cemeteries or want to be in a resting place near to where family members lived or where ancestors are interred. Whether cremation or burial, there are ways you can decrease your impact. Talk to your local funeral professional about options.

Green: next-level eco burial.

If off-the-grid living is for you, off-the-grid deathcare may be as well.

Green Burial requires additional special planning. You may want to go further than just minimizing impact in a traditional cemetery. Some seek a special natural burial ground (cemetery) certified by the Green Burial Council. (The certification protects you from being greenwash scammed) These are regulated to ensure minimal environmental impact, requiring non-toxic, biodegradable materials (caskets, decedent clothing/shroud, etc.) as well as a conservationist approach to cemetery grounds maintenance. Some green burial cemeteries may also accept the interment of ashes and even pets.

At the time of writing this (these may be added/changed by the Green Burial Council), there are three GBC certified cemeteries in Florida located in Brooksville (hybrid cemetery), Gainesville (conservation burial ground – see video below), and Lake Worth (hybrid cemetery).

I’ve worked with two families just in the past few weeks who pre-planned natural burial.

What’s right for you?

Our values and emotion, culture, religion, tradition, and choice – and finances – guide our end-of-life decisions. Only you can determine what method of disposition best reflects and honors your life – as well as being the best support and comfort for your loved ones.

You need a plan.

If green, minimalism, humanism, or eco-consciousness are part of your personal brand, then you should be thinking about how your final disposition will reflect your values. There are costs and lots of questions that need to be answered – don’t leave the decisions to others in their time of grief.

I can help guide you through the planning process and ensure you find solutions that are meaningful and respectful of your values.

Let’s talk about it.

Let’s explore solutions together and make a plan that is right for YOU.

Special thanks to Kimberly Hilsabeck – dear friend and talented nature photographer – for providing the cover image for this article.