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I was looking for something to write about and came across an article on green cemeteries. These are cemeteries that don’t look like cemeteries. There are no headstones or God forbid, plastic flowers- anywhere. If you are buried at a green cemetery, you’ll have a natural burial; you’ll be buried either in a cloth shroud or a bio-degradable coffin. You’ll also be buried without embalming. Your body will leave this earthly plane just as it came into- with no added preservatives.
Green cemeteries look like parks- natural parks. They don’t have planned gardens, neatly trimmed hedges or paved roads. Plants and flowers grow wild. For the eco-minded person, a green funeral is the ultimate green act. Eventually, your body just goes back to the earth. Some people choose to have natural rock inscribed with their information, some choose nothing at all. Others have a wind chime put up nearby. From what I’ve read each grave has a GPS tag somewhere, so you can be located at a later date if need be. Green cemeteries are not formal places where people speak in hushed tones.
There’s a company in the UK named Colorful Coffins. They sell an assortment of eco-friendly coffins. Their products are now sold in the US as well. They offer an array of designs. Or, if you don’t like the designs they offer, they will also help you design one for yourself or a loved one. They even have a model that is 100% recycled cardboard. Some people opt for a plain coffin for their burial; then their family and friends can decorate the outside for them or write their goodbyes on it.
I decided long ago to be cremated. Although when I was very young and my dad told me that creamation was his wish, I was freaked out; now, as I’ve gotten older, I realize that’s the way I want to go. At least I think I do. (I’m just not good in confined spaces for a long time.) Of course the way I hate hot flashes, cremation doesn’t always sound like a day at the beach to me either. I’ve known for years though that I didn’t want to go through the whole embalming thing. For now, Doug and I have a mixed marriage. He wants to be buried. (At least that what he says now.) Yes, I realize that the most important part of me will be in a better place when this is all going down, but still…
I learned as I’ve gotten older that a lot of folks our age really don’t like discussing all this. (Perhaps they think it’s bad luck.) I think it’s good to have at least some kind of plan. I know one thing though- my memorial service is going to be at dog park, with a picnic later. (I just hope I croak at a temperate time of year.)
So there you go. I hope I didn’t bum anyone out before the weekend. However, I find thiswhole concept really interesting. And lest I forget- a natural burial is usually thousands less than going the “traditional” route. Anyway, it’s something to think about.
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