Source: Fortune
Summary
With growing concerns about climate change and environmental impact, people are exploring alternative, eco-friendly death practices. Natural burials, alkaline hydrolysis, and natural organic reduction are gaining popularity as more sustainable options. These methods reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional funeral practices like embalming, fire cremation, and casket burials. According to the Green Burial Council, a green burial sequesters about 25 pounds of carbon, while natural organic reduction turns bodies into soil. The industry is shifting towards more environmentally conscious options, with 14 US states allowing natural organic reduction and 15 others introducing bills to make it legal.
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The numbers tell one story.
Embalming fluids, casket materials, and cremation energy contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. Natural burials and alternative methods are gaining traction, but availability and legality vary by country, state, and province. Companies like Earth Funeral and Be a Tree offer natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis services. The industry is shifting towards more eco-friendly options, but it’s still a small part of the overall market.
The strategy enters a familiar phase: companies are trying to rebrand death as a chance to give back to the earth.
