The primary reason is lack of information and willingness to go against the prevailing cultural norm.  But if we spread the word that this is what folks want, we can change the paradigm.  I advocate “Beating the drum slowly and marching from the center.”  Reach out and share what you know.  Have the courage to talk about it.

If you would like to sponsor a workshop in your area, please let me know.  It’s a great way to learn about home funeral and green burial, find like-minded folks, raise awareness and create options in your community.

In peace,

Merilynne

How did he know to do this?  What gave him strength to take a week off work and lovingly be so present during such a difficult time?  ”My mother did that for my father,” he said.  ”I just knew it was what I had to do.”  What a blessing.  Thank you, mom.  Rest in peace, Betty.

Michigan has several options for natural burial, including The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford (must be Catholic) and Marble Park Cemetery in Milan.  They are both “hybrid” cemeteries; we still don’t have a cemetery that is dedicated 100% to natural burial.  It’s very difficult to establish one.  We are talking about a changing paradigm here, and it’s financially risky.  But I think the trend is toward more people wanting a green burial.  Joe Sehee, of the Green Burial Council, states that one of five seniors wants a green burial.  (I think the number is much higher for baby boomers and younger.)

Keep asking your local cemetery for this option, if that’s what you want.  If it applies, make it clear that you are just asking for a vault-less burial.  Settling of the earth and grass growth are surmountable obstacles if we work on changing attitudes about what is aesthetically acceptable.

These ladies discussed green burial last week.  Check it out.  It’s true, no state requires routine embalming.  But if you want to have a visitation with friends, you gotta have a home funeral.  And that requires planning ahead.  Aaaahhhh!  Who wants to talk about that????

I’ve heard some people say, “I just want to go off into the woods to die,” or, “I just want to be composted.”

I wish it was that simple!  Many of us want our final act on earth to be supportive to the environment and be relatively simple for those who remain.  Within the realm of what is possible, however, what do you want?  Do you want to be buried in a shroud or basket?  Do you want others to be able to dig the hole and put your body in it?  Is it important to you or those who care for you to be able to visit the site?  Or mark the site?

Is it more important what you want or what those who remain want?

These are not simple questions, nor are their simple solutions.  And views and options are changing all the time.  I think if we keep thinking about it and asking for what we want, it will be possible.  What do you think?