Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. These are common funereal sentiments, but they aren’t actually all that true in today’s world. Most people opt to be buried or cremated, both of which cause environmental hazards. Luckily there are other ways that you can opt for your body to be disposed of after death that are a bit more eco-friendly than those that involve hazardous embalming fluids to be transmitted into the earth or hot flames to release ashes into the air.
1. Skip the Coffin
Placing the body into the earth without a coffin is one eco-friendly option. As a bonus, it tends to be cheaper — but it is a bit more complicated. You still need to get the body to the burial site, which is hard without a carrying container. And mourners tend to be disturbed by the site of an actual body and not a box going into the ground. A plain pine box will decompose eventually and there are other options, including eco coffins and wicker baskets — but they may require some shipping, which is definitely not eco-friendly.
2. Mushroom Suit
A mushroom suit from Coeio is designed to wrap the body in helpful fungi that help it to decompose faster. Although eco-friendly and lightweight in terms of shipping and burying, it’ still a little creepy.
3. Composting
Similar to cremation but much more eco-friendly in the process, the Urban Death Project turns remains into compost. Unlike turning the body into ashes, the process doesn’t cause air pollution and the remains are meant to decompose and create new life, rather than lingering like ashes.
4. Bio Urns
Some companies are creating bio urns, which include a biodegradable container made of recycled materials and a seed. Planting the urn allows the seed to grow and create new life, although the ashes still remain.
5. Donate Your Body to Science
Medical schools and research facilities can study bodies to learn new treatments. Consider this a stop along the recycling route — although preservatives will likely be needed.
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