Pushing Up Daisies

Environmentally-Friendly Options For Your Final Place Of Rest

By Mark Kuhl | For the GPHN

The term “green burial” means returning to earth in a natural way without toxic chemicals, high energy consumption, or needless concrete or metal.  

Funeral homes, cemeteries and startups are offering a range of ecologically-friendly options for body recycling. So-called “woodland burial” involves a return to nature with a shallow grave and only a shroud or biodegradable casket, the way most people were buried in this country before the funeral industry became fixated on slowing decomposition with embalming. Many cultures have followed this tradition for hundreds of years. 

In the 90s, “water cremation” (alkaline hydrolysis) was developed. This involves dissolving the body in an alkali-based solution. More recently, Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) or “human composting’ has been getting attention. This involves placing a body between layers of woodchips, straw, and alfalfa in a vessel where microbes decompose the body to produce humus.  

These are great options for those interested in departing with positive impact to the environment.

Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling appear every month in these pages.