2&1/2 years ago, my non-embalmed husband was buried in a bio-degradable shroud within 48 hours of his death in a (new) part of a cemetery designated for green burials. Native (wild) plants grow there and there are no individual headstones just one large stone with names and dates for each area. I still contribute to climate change because I drive a gas-fuelled car to visit, but I don’t go often. Ontario, Canada.
Very sorry for your loss, Juliet. Great information and suggestions for how to lessen environmental impact during an already unfortunate event. And congratulations on your poetry—excellent work.
The only reason I know bout any of this is from the Skelf series of books by Doug Johnstone. It’s based around a family who run a funeral parlour and they are moving towards sustainable practices. I investigated to see what was possible or if it was made up!
2&1/2 years ago, my non-embalmed husband was buried in a bio-degradable shroud within 48 hours of his death in a (new) part of a cemetery designated for green burials. Native (wild) plants grow there and there are no individual headstones just one large stone with names and dates for each area. I still contribute to climate change because I drive a gas-fuelled car to visit, but I don’t go often. Ontario, Canada.
Very sorry for your loss, Juliet. Great information and suggestions for how to lessen environmental impact during an already unfortunate event. And congratulations on your poetry—excellent work.
Thanks James
An important topic. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for your loss, Juliet. Hard anytime to lose a friend but particularly when unexpected.
Interesting article. In green funerals embalming fluid isn’t used - it’s not allowed. There’s also machine which uses water to break down bodies (alkaline hydrolysis ) rather than cremating them - both practices are highly eco friendly and although not yet widely available are being regulated for use in Scotland. See here if you’re interested https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/current/thought-leadership/2024/05/water-cremation-sustainable-body-disposal-is-coming-to-scotland/
The only reason I know bout any of this is from the Skelf series of books by Doug Johnstone. It’s based around a family who run a funeral parlour and they are moving towards sustainable practices. I investigated to see what was possible or if it was made up!
Congratulations on the poetry publications!
Thanks for the link, I'll read that, I had heard of that process. It would seem like a very eco-friendly solution to the end of life.
I’m so sorry for your loss Juliet. The ideas in the article are lovely, especially the tree pod one :) life can still be beautiful after death
This is interesting information Juliet. Thank you for sharing this. I must check what is happening in India...