Living Sustainably? Now, Let’s Talk About Dying Sustainably

You follow eco-friendly blogs, bring your reusable bags to the market, and use glass straws. You care deeply about the planet, so you try your best to keep it healthy. Imagine if people could also help the environment even after they die. Well, it turns out they can, and here’s how.

### What Does It Mean to Die Sustainably?

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about death, but it’s inevitable. While you might spend your life trying to protect the planet, what happens once you’re gone? The good news is that you can still make a positive impact with some planning. Eco-friendly burials are becoming more popular, and you can stay updated by following news on sustainable living. Here are a few earth-friendly burial options:

– **Natural burials**
– **Scattering urns**
– **Biodegradable caskets**
– **Living urns**

Living urns can be planted into the soil, breaking down naturally and enriching the earth. You can even choose to have a plant, tree, or flower grow from your remains, creating a lasting and beautiful legacy that benefits the environment.

### How Do Traditional Burials Impact the Earth?

Cemeteries across the U.S. are filled with metal or wooden caskets, which take up a lot of space and often look neglected and uninviting. The embalming process also uses harmful chemicals that seep into the ground and water supply. As spaces in traditional cemeteries fill up, this practice becomes less sustainable. We need to look for better, greener solutions.

### Are There Alternatives?

Eco-friendly burial sites, such as natural burial forests and parks, do exist but are still rare. While cremation is becoming more popular, it also has its downsides as it uses a lot of energy and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fortunately, new methods of decomposition are emerging, including:

– **Promession**
– **Body composting**
– **Resomation**
– **Cryogenics**

These innovative methods aim to minimize environmental harm. Some of them are already available in the U.S., and they’re changing how we think about our final resting places.

### Can Cemeteries Change?

In many parts of the world, people are adopting modern approaches to cemeteries, which can help remove the stigma around natural burials. The U.S. culture often avoids discussions about death, but this can change. Imagine modern burial parks that function like urban parks, complete with advanced technology to locate grave markers. Instead of traditional headstones, these markers could be surrounded by trees, flowers, or even art installations.

Sustainable burials don’t have to be visible but can be more visually appealing than traditional ones. It’s all about perspective. If you live sustainably, it’s worth considering how you can continue to honor the earth even after you’re gone. After all, what’s there to lose?