Vibrant Nation

Going Green like this makes it sound like pretty soon you could just drop Granny in the back yard when she doesn't wake up one morning.  Good for the grass.  Not sure I'm quite that much of a tree-hugger.  Would save money, hmmm....

It was good to see your post - because we make greenburial caskets... individually, by hand, with love, nothing pre-manufacture or kit. Simple exterior, wooden doweled corners, wooden hinges, and custom interior, according to family's wishes.
My aunt was riddled with cancer, and in her last months looked, and looked, and looked - wanting cremation - for a box she liked. When we found out she had said "oh, just bury me in an old burl" we found a beautiful old maple stump and made her a box... now a family keepsake.
I wish I'd known BEFORE she passed, so we could have made it for her and given it to her as a gift while she was still with us.

Our local funeral home, just last year, set up a greenburial section in their cemetery, "The Meadow".
The grand opening on my dad's birthday, having been buried in their regular cemetery.

It was quite an event, and being certified was quite a lengthy and expensive process to get through, as well.

I have worked closely with grieving families who are members of local Native American communities - who don't plan burials much, either, but who go through the grieving process more thoroughly, simply, and short term than their Non-Native American counterparts.

In my experience, please believe: there is no greater gift you can give your family than to PRE PLAN your own funeral - so they may follow your wishes at a time that is so often hard for them to get through.
For instance, when my sister passed away, I realized the validity of some of the Native customs - don't drive, being one, because the "Grieved-one" really doesn't process thought very well, and the chance for accidents while driving are greatly increased. To put it simply, my mind was quite numb.

My point is that at a time when it is very difficult to think, and a time of great distraction, it is very difficult to make decisions without much confusion and indecisiveness.

Also, it is the "Grieved-one's" last chance to do something for their "Loved-one" - and as a result families often over-spend while trying to buy "The Best" and "The plushest"... etc.

It's the last time they can pour out their love...or ease a conscience after family difficulties.
I'm not excusing "sales oriented" funeral homes...and I'm not going there, either... Not nice, to say the least!

I'm trying to say: Save Your Family The Difficulty of Decision Making At A Difficult Time, and Pre Plan Your Own Wishes - While You Are Able To Make Decisions That Are Going To Be Difficult For Them.

Write down your wishes and wants and ideas and places and preferred funeral home and contact information. Write down if you don't want flowers, where donations are to be made... .
You do NOT have to go to a funeral home and be pressured.
THEN: give copies to the main family members who will be making the decisions.
Take your time... I wish I'd prepared a list I go through with families so they have "all their bases covered (a 4-day process)." ...things like preferred ministers for services, singers, eulogy readers, pall bearers; cremation issues such as what to do with the ashes...

Not only will you save your family time and money, but it will comfort them to know they are following your wishes...

Even some of the Natives say, "but if I don't talk about it, how will anyone know what my wishes are !"

Override superstition and opt for giving your family a gift they will appreciate only after you are gone.

God Bless You
Charly Moore
TheCasketMakers