Have you heard of the biocasket? –The environmentally friendly funeral casket that biodegrades over time to become a part of the soil surrounding it.

It’s a product that does not use glues, metals, toxic-based inks, photographic materials, lacquers, varnishes…but uses woven natural materials (wicker, bamboo, willow, banana leaf, hemp) untreated jute, recycled paper and natural resins.

And it can (depending on the style and intricacy you choose) be up to 75% cheaper than a traditional casket.

How about going a step further…and skipping the use of embalming fluid (that typically uses formaldehyde mixed in water…probably to prevent the transmission of bacteria or illness and to preserve the body for visitations) or using non-toxic biodegradable fluid instead.

“Green” caskets, apparently common in the UK since 1993, are only now starting to catch on in Canada and the USA.

And there’s a manufacturer in Australia that makes caskets from 100% recycled biodegradable cardboard (and can carry up to 120kg).

You can also get environmentally friendly caskets (having a wool mattress) in New Zealand.

And what about having a “green” burial?

Hmmmm…The idea of knowing that your final resting place is helping to sustain a wooded area or a wildflower meadow, or creating a natural habitat…an ecosystem. –So really, the whole area would be your memorial!

I like it!

Strategically place a few benches for reflection, meditation and solace for visitors and loved ones…or let them explore the entire area to feel your presence and energy.

Conservation is the idea. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

I always thought I’d have my body cremated when the time came, but I hear cremation releases pollutants (heavy metals, hydrogen chloride, dioxins and furans) into the air (but just how much toxicity, is debatable).

Still, I like the idea of perhaps having my cremated ashes strewn in a gardened area within a protected forested ecosystem, or kept within an eco-friendly (biodegradable) urn made from natural materials (including silk, leather and handmade paper) that’s buried in aerobic, organically active soil with compost.

I say, “Heal the planet with a living memorial while your loved ones heal their hearts.”

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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