With many people wanting to turn back their ways to a simpler, healthier green life, comes a new thought about how to leave as little impact on the earth as possible in your death.
In past history, when people died they were wrapped in a blanket and placed in the ground.
Their bodies decomposed quickly and left very little impact on their surroundings.
Just this week my children and I were discussing how on the Oregon Trail when people died, they were many times buried next to the trail or under the road itself.
The latter of course was to keep animals from digging up the burial site as the wagons would compact the dirt over the grave.
As years passed people didn't want to think of their loved ones bodies decaying so quickly or being buried so near the dirt.
They began to buy caskets that could stand the test of time, lined with silks and sealed to protect their loved ones as long as possible.
The bodies of the deceased were filled with preservatives to prolong the decaying process.
Not only has this become an expensive process, but has made an impact on our earth too.
There is now a new revolution.
Return to the olden days of yester year.
It's not that they just bury their loved one in the back yard, or on some side street.
But turning your burial into a green one is not that difficult.
There are biodegradable caskets, your body does not have to be preserved and you can choose to be buried in a grave yard that is "green" friendly.
The grave yard will be naturally maintained by itself and will promote healthy wild life, trees and flowers.
This excerpt taken from Green Burials.
Org discusses the many benefits of choosing a green burial.
"In keeping with your personal values, a natural burial site for you, family, even pets, promotes growth of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, in turn bringing birds and other wildlife to the area.
Water is not wasted, nor are pesticides and herbicides used in attempts to control nature.
Instead, a green cemetery allows nature take it's course.
Planting native trees, shrubs and flowers in your loved one's honor promotes habitat restoration.
To encourage land preservation, a green cemetery grants a conservation easement for the burial site.
" If you or a loved one is interested in a green burial, feel free to contact your local funeral director.
They can share with you any pros and cons that may be important to you.
It is possible to plan ahead for a green burial.
If this type of burial interests you, be sure to let family and friends know your wishes ahead of time to combat any confusion.
Just down the road in a small town here is such a grave yard.
It's old.
It is not a new green cemetery.
Yet it sits on a hill, out in a large meadow.
The remains of graves dating back to the 1800's to now.
There is no lawn maintained, no cleaning crew.
Family maintains the sites of the loved ones as they see fit.
It is a natural, peaceful, green place.