A Green Burial

The typical American funeral boasts exotic flowers, a coffin made of fancy wood, and formaldehyde-based embalming. But green burials require fewer resources and skip a number of unnecessary steps; they also tend to be less expensive. Today I speak with green mortician Elizabeth Fournier about alternatives to conventional burials and cremations that are easier on the planet. Here's a preview: [5:00] Exactly what's wrong from an environmental standpoint with standard burials and cremations [12:30] A brief history of embalming: Is it actually necessary? [19:00] Liner-free plots, conscious caskets, and more: The tenets of a green burial [28:30] How exactly does a green burial compare in terms of cost? [33:00] Everything you need to know about aqua cremation, burials at sea, and natural organic reduction   Resources mentioned/Further reading: The Green Burial Guidebook: Everything You Need to Plan an Affordable, Environmentally Friendly Burial Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethgreenreaper Let Your Love Grow Eternal Reefs -- * Join our (free!) community here. * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube. * Email me and say hello! [email protected]. Our Sponsors:* Thank you to LifeStraw! https://lifestraw.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-content