Green burial, Eco funeral

Hi guys,

Well I'm priveledged to make the first post in the Eco friendly forum...hope there's many more to come[sm=food-smiley-004.gif]

So, back to the topic of this post.

On Sunday I went to my healing course and we were studying the 'Healing into Death and Dying' unit. One of the topics of discussion was a green burial, or 'eco funeral'. We watched a short video (actually an extract from Countryfile) that explored eco funerals, and I have to say, it was a real eye opener. When people die, the two common options are burial or cremation. However, here are the disadvantages of both:

Burial

* The glue that attatches the handles to coffins and other adhesives that are used are harmful to the environment

* Graveyards become full relatively quickly

* Burial grounds become problematic when memorials are neglected and tombstones/memorials fall into disrepair.

* Grave sites become sterile and can't be used for anything else.

*A headstone and burial in generalis expensive

* The toxic embalming fluids that are usedpollute and harmthe environment.

* Traditional, religious services are not always appropriate.

Cremation

*Cremation requires vast amounts of energy- roughly the samedomestic energy demands as a single person for an entire month. This creates GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS which are harmful to ecology.
SOURCE: see [link= http://www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/0,,1594783,00.html ]The Guardian[/link]

* Cremation is also responsible for 16% of the UK's mercury pollution (via our dental fillings.)

*89% coffins are madefrom veneered chipboard, which is bonded with a formaldehyde resin. Thesewill end up being burnt and entering the atmosphere.

I want to save the environment! I hear you cry! Well, here's the info on green burials that might help you do just that.

Green Burials

* There are no harmful chemicals or toxic substances used that will pollute or otherwise harm the environment.

* There is no bulky headstone, although sometimes tress or a bench can be placed over the burial site to commerate the person's life.

* The burial ground, when full can be turned into a picnic site or nature reserve

* Because there is no pollution or toxicity seeping into the earth, plants and wildlife flourish

*Natural burial grounds degrade very quickly and then you're left with an area of mini-green belt with regenerated flora and fauna not cluttered up with marble or granite memorials.
SOURCE: [link= http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/thisweek/story/0,12977,1255829,00.html ]Guardian Unlimited[/link]

* Coffins are made of biodegradable cardboard or papier mache which are non-toxic and disintegrates quickly and easily

* Green Burials are cheaper than cremation and ordicary burials, with coffins (sometimes called eco-pods) costing as little as £60.

* The 'service' at Green Burials can be kept personal and beperformed by the family, but priests can bless individual plots if wished.

Links:

[link= http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/thisweek/story/0,12977,1255829,00.html ]What is a Green Burial[/link]
David Adam
Thursday July 8, 2004

[url]Should I be buried or cremated?[/url]
Leo Hickman
Tuesday October 18, 2005

[link= http://www.ifishoulddie.co.uk/alternative_burials.htm ]Organising Green Burials[/link]

To find a green burial site near you, try a google UK search.