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Some cultures shy away from the uncomfortable topic of death, while others accept it more readily. No matter what category we fall into, this is still an important topic.
One way that may help people find more peace with the concept, is to see it as an opportunity to make one last stand for our planet. Whether that be in burial type choice or by naming a favorite organization in our written will or as beneficiaries on our savings accounts.
On this page we delve into several aspects of funerals and death that can be turned from polluting or otherwise problematic, to something that can actually benefit the planet or our fellow Earthlings.
There are some serious ecological issues with some of the most common forms of "burial" such as the increasing space constraints for casket burials, and the various types of pollution. Modern burials include heavily use of chemicals in wood caskets, and used in embalming bodies. Cremation produces significant levels of air pollution, including air-borne mercury, which became a particularly serious issue during the Covid pandemic, when the number of people dying at the same time shot up significantly. Those who did the cremation suffered the worst health impacts from the constant, and high levels of pollution that they were continuously exposed to during that time.
We all say goodbye in our own unique ways, both culturally and as individuals. Many of us adhere to certain ceremonies or customs in order to celebrate the life and impact of the deceased person.
"We can't take it when we go", so why not make sure any money you have left over after passing will be put to good use. We're not saying "don't leave anything for your kids or grandkids", but if you have no close family or anyone else you are planning to leave things to in your will, then leaving money, a property (parhaps for conservation puro)
Ocean Conservancy: Estate and Legacy Giving "A gift to Ocean Conservancy in your will or trust, or by naming name Ocean Conservancy the beneficiary of your retirement plan or other financial account, is a powerful statement of hope – that together, we can turn the tide for our ocean." They also provide an option for Honor & Memorial Giving.
CarbonFootprint: Solar Schools Offsetting "Sponsor Solar Panels At A UK School With Guaranteed Carbon Offset"
Schools’ Energy Co-operative "installs community funded solar panel systems on schools free of charge as well as paying all its profits to its member schools. As a social enterprise, we are dedicated to supporting our school members and providing an alternative to the prevailing commercial rent a roof or leasing model. Central to this is our aspiration to retain as much as possible of the benefits for the schools, their students and the surrounding communities. We also work with our school members and local community groups to maximise the environmental, educational and community impact of the solar installations."
Bower: Bequest the Circle of Life "Leave a lasting Legacy to the Bower Re-use and Repair Centre in your will, and build a sustainable future for our planet."
Click the Burial Sites & Services button to learn about places in your area where you or a loved one can be laid to rest using eco-friendly methods.
A Guide to Green Funerals in Australia "Eco-funerals and green burials are growing in popularity. Here’s what’s different about a sustainable farewell."
Suomen Luontohautausliitto "on voittoa tavoittelematon aatteellinen yhdistys. Luontohautausliiton arvopohja rakentuu vahvasti ekologisuuden ja luonnon kunnioittamisen periaatteille. Pyrimme toiminnallamme edistämään ympäristön hyvinvointia ja tarjoamaan vastuullisia ratkaisuja hautausperinteisiin."
Humo Sapiens "Transformer nos corps en humus, nos tombes en arbres et nos cimetières en forêts
Notre association agit pour rendre accessible en France une alternative funéraire inspirée du cycle du vivant – la terramation – permettant de régénérer l’environnement, de donner du sens à la mort et d’ouvrir de nouveaux imaginaires de société."
Crematoria Abatement Mercury Emissions Organisation (CAMEO) "a crematoria abatement system scheme in 2006. This is a burden-sharing scheme where all members pay per cremation, then receive payment per abatement. This scheme was set to enable a phased approach which was not in government recommendations with targets: by 2008, 10% of cremations abated, by 2010, 20% and by 2012, 50%."
The Green Burial Council (GBC) "was founded in 2005 by Joe Sehee to ensure consumers would be served by having verifiable standards for green funeral enterprises.
develops and maintains certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes, and product providers and all certification is conducted by independent third-party experts. Three types of cemeteries are certified by the GBC*:
hybrid, an area within a conventional cemetery where burial occurs without a concrete vault, chemical embalming, and with a biodegradable container,
natural, where all three elements are employed in a cemetery dedicated to natural burial, and
conservation, where a land trust entity preserves land that is in part used for burial.
creates, evaluates, and disseminates educational resources, including:
blog, and newsletter,
peer-to-peer forums
burial stories,
curated collection of books, articles, blogs, and videos,
opportunities for public and professional engagement,
outreach tools and speaker’s bureau,
recommended readings, and
courses about operating a green cemetery and creating green funeral services."
The Green Burial Council (GBC) "was founded in 2005 by Joe Sehee to ensure consumers would be served by having verifiable standards for green funeral enterprises.
develops and maintains certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes, and product providers and all certification is conducted by independent third-party experts. Three types of cemeteries are certified by the GBC*:
hybrid, an area within a conventional cemetery where burial occurs without a concrete vault, chemical embalming, and with a biodegradable container,
natural, where all three elements are employed in a cemetery dedicated to natural burial, and
conservation, where a land trust entity preserves land that is in part used for burial.
creates, evaluates, and disseminates educational resources, including:
blog, and newsletter,
peer-to-peer forums
burial stories,
curated collection of books, articles, blogs, and videos,
opportunities for public and professional engagement,
outreach tools and speaker’s bureau,
recommended readings, and
courses about operating a green cemetery and creating green funeral services."
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."
Eternal Reefs: Scheduled Locations (Interactive)
Green Burial Provider Maps (Interactive) "These two maps, GBC-Certified Cemeteries and Products and Certified Funeral Homes Across North America, give you quick and easy access to locate providers near you in North America. Scroll down on maps to see the providers list below in alphabetical order."