Environmentally-responsible Burial Alternatives

The cost of funerals is rapidly approaching $10,000, not as much as most weddings, but still pretty steep. The expense alone is enough reason to consider burial alternatives, but you may also be concerned for other reasons. Have you ever thought about how much land is used for cemeteries? Did you know that leaking caskets and vaults can lead to contamination of ground water by toxic embalming fluid and other substances? If everyone uses nonbiodegradable coffins and vaults, and the like, we will quickly run out of room. Thankfully there are many good alternatives for green burials that honor the deceased and comfort the bereaved. Here are a few of your ideas for you to consider:

* Natural burial "ensures the burial site remains as natural as possible in all respects. Interment of the bodies is done in a bio-degradable casket, shroud, or a favorite blanket. No embalming fluid, no concrete vaults." Natural burial grounds can be very beautiful.

* Body donation. Most medical schools will accept body donations as they are used to teach medical students, practice surgery, do research and more. Contact a medical school near you to get more information. Visit the recommended links for information on the 125 accredited medical schools in the US, the 17 schools in Canada, and body donation resources in the UK.
Note that you will not be able to donate your organs if you donate your body to a medical school.

* The Anthropological Research Facility at the University of Tennessee accepts donated bodies to "scientifically document postmortem change." This is important "for providing education and training in forensic anthropology and skeletal biology for students and law enforcement agencies." This so-called "Body Farm" is the only facility of its kind in the world. Donation is free if you are within 200 miles of the University, otherwise there will be transportation costs.
Note that donation to the Body Farm does not prevent donation of other organs or tissues.