A Green Way to Go

For the people who like to think green - does the thought of embalming, the use of caskets and other non-biodegradable items filling thousands of acres of land concern you?  Often, even cremation isn’t ecofriendly as it uses fossil fuels that release chemicals in the atmosphere. Here are some ecofriendly options that will help reduce the carbon footprint you would otherwise leave behind upon your death.

The Idea that Grows on You
A California based company called Coeio developed a mushroom burial suit.  This was brought some fame when the beloved Luke Perry chose this option for burial. Your body is wrapped in an organic cotton that is embedded with mushrooms cultivated for absorbing the toxins from our body, breaking them down and passing the good stuff on to trees and plants. 

Bringing Nature Back

Not a fungi fan?  Another option is a simple natural green burial without extra porcini and truffles. Eloise Woods Natural Burial Park in Cedar Creek, Texas, offers a simple and serene final resting place using organic and sustainable practices. Bodies are preserved naturally prior to burial in a temperature-controlled environment without the use of chemical embalming. Often families choose to use a simple cloth shroud which can even be a beloved family quilt or natural fiber sheet. Alternatively, families may choose to use a biodegradable casket made from wood, woven wicker, or even cardboard which can be decorated with good-bye messages from friends and family. Grave markers are made of engraved flat fieldstones allowing the landscape to be as natural as possible.  To learn more about this simple, budget conscience and comforting option, go to www.eloisewoods.com.  

Composting

Becoming worm food is an option that is not legal in Texas just yet. A company called Green Cremation Texas has found a way around that issue.  They fly your body to Seattle for the composting to be completed.  How does it work? Your body is placed into a large stainless steel container. Woodchips, alfalfa and straw are added along with flowers and other possible organic materials if your family wishes for the added special love and personalization. Several weeks later, the bones and body break down and are added to the soil. Any non-organic material is removed, such as metal implants. Your family receives a 1 cubic yard of soil.  This is a wonderful idea for people who love to spend time in the garden. 

Aquamation

Not to be confused with animation.  Two totally different things! Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an alternative to cremation. Currently in Texas, it is illegal for water cremation. Bill SB105 is before the Texas Senate with the hope to be passed. Alkaline Hydrolysis uses hot water, alkaline chemicals (such as sodium hydroxide) and pressure which break the body down. The process takes four to five hours to complete.  While it takes longer, aquamation uses 90% less energy that standard cremation.

Sail Away, Sail Away

If the sea is calling you for your forever home, a Mansfield, Texas based company makes a water soluble urn from cotton for your remains. The urn will sink and then dissolve. Texas requires that you be at least 3 nautical miles from the shore, at least a depth of 600 feet and in ocean water for health and safety reasons (thank you Federal Clean Water Act) but it also prevents those lazy relatives from just scattering your ashes from the pier.  While this option is friendly on the environment based on the urn, the cremation process and the use of a boat to get you to your final destination are not ecofriendly.

These nontraditional options are rarely something a family member or loved one will know to consider.  If you would like your remains to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, we recommend that you contact an attorney prepare an Appointment of Disposition of My Remains as part your estate plan so that you can make this preference known. Our firm can help you with that. Be sure to also let your family know your wishes as well.