The green burial (natural burial) section of a cemetery is pictured. In traditional burials, caskets are often buried within a concrete vault. But for green burials, there is no such lining and bodies ...

The premise of a green burial, say advocates of the practice, is to return us to the Earth, replenish it and help it to outlive us.

Steve Ball’s grave was marked not by a granite headstone or marble mausoleum upon the burial of his cremated remains last year, but a flat rock chipped into the shape of a heart. It came from his ...

When people lose a loved one — especially unexpectedly — environmental consciousness may be the last thing on their minds. But modern funeral practices are wreaking havoc on the environment. Bodies ...

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - In life, Patrick Ytsma made it a point to minimize his drag on the environment, in part by riding his bike nearly everywhere he went. So it was fitting that when he died at 53, after ...

Planning a funeral doesn’t always have to mean a traditional cemetery burial with an expensive metal or wooden casket lined with luxurious fabrics. In many New Hampshire towns, you can choose a more ...

ROCHESTER — The generation known for challenging social norms and traditions is dying to change another industry. Green burials are becoming more in demand as baby boomers plan their deaths. Industry ...

With an ever-growing list of ways to deal with human remains, it can be hard to know which method is best for the Earth. Most of us try to be responsible global citizens while we’re alive. We sort ...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Cynthia Beal wants to be an Oregon cherry tree after she dies. She has everything to make it happen -- a body, a burial site and a biodegradable coffin. "It is composting at its best ...

LEE — Joan Angelo, a retired hospice nurse, has seen a lot of funerals. Her experiences have helped her make a decision about her own: “After trying to lead a pretty green life and eating organically, ...