Green burials are increasingly available in America but some eco-conscious elders are unaware of this when planning for their deaths.
Researchers surveyed 20 environmentalists in an American city. They were over 60 years old, and identified as environmentalists. Despite green burials being available in the city for nearly a decade, most hadn't heard of it, and planned on cremation, viewing it as the eco-friendliest option. Green burials have bodies buried in a biodegradable containers or shrouds.
Supporters argue its more environmentally friendly and in line with how burials were done before the beginning of the funeral home industry. Preference for green burial is small but growing. People are realizing that burial choices can positively impact ecosystems.
Choices include burial pods that grow into trees, and human composting - a multi-week process that turns the body into soil. Conservation green burial cemeteries double as protected nature preserves.
Original study:
‘Green’ burials are slowly gaining ground among environmentalists
Original paper:
The evolution of critical thermal limits of life on EarthUp in smoke or down with worms? older adult environmentalist’s discourse on disposal, dispersal, and (green) burial