Dying for the future.
No, this is not the start of some adorable children’s book. Although maybe it should be, this is about death, life, and how we choose to complete our circle here on earth. It’s not like I’m giving away the ending. Death is inevitable. We all know it. But how we choose to go out can still surprise some people.
The news about how we are irreparably harming this planet is deafening everywhere we turn. And sometimes, we feel helpless. But there is something you can do to make your life a positive impact on future generations.
Eco Burials: What are they?
We are all familiar with traditional burials, and although less common, the ancient practice of cremation releases about 360,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions in the US alone every year. But did you know there are other more environmentally alternatives?
- Donate bodies to science.
- Water Cremation, also known as Aquamation: Now legal in 26 states, this process dissolves the body and yields a liquid that, in some instances, is captured for fertilizer. The bones are treated as cremation and can be returned to the family.
- Compost. The body decomposes naturally and is converted into soil. Known as Natural Organic Reduction, it is available in three states.
- Become a reef. The non-profit Eternal Reefs works with cremation to create permanent living legacies to protect and preserve marine environments.
I want to be a tree.
Trees are a sustainer of life, and how better to give back to the world and the blessings of nature than to provide nourishment to something that lives its life for others?
Although this process involves cremation, the result is eco-friendly, and the tree reduces greenhouse gasses over time.
Our impact on this world exists long after we are gone. What do you want your impact to be?
