The Centre for Natural Burial

Green Burials, Body Donation, and Other Ways to Responsibly and Respectfully Care for the Dead
By Karama C. Neal, AC

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.

* Memorial reefs are an option for those who have been cremated. The cremains are used to create a “permanent living legacy that memorialize the passing of a loved one.” Reefs are lowered into the sea to help restore the marine environment by creating artificial reefs and fish habitats.

* Cremation, a low-cost, widely-available alternative for those who are interested. However, mercury fillings can cause air pollution during cremation.

Remember, US law prohibits medical schools or state anatomical boards in the United States from purchasing bodies from families or estates. Also, all bodies may not be acceptable so you may need to have a secondary plan. Include your wishes in your will, and make sure to share your desires with your family. It is very important that your loved ones know your wishes so that they can carry them out.

Many of us find it uncomfortable to think or talk about our own deaths, but having conversations about end-of-life care, organ donation, financial issues, and the like, can make things so much easier for your loved ones. Pre-planning will ease the burden on your loved ones during their time of grief.

“People living deeply have no fear of death.” - Anais Nin