"Every grave a mother". Ode to Trees

As humans, we've been grappling with the perplexing concept of death for centuries. While traditional burial methods involve a lot of resources and materials that can harm the environment, natural burial offers a burst of hope for a more sustainable approach. This involves laying our loved ones to rest in a simple, biodegradable box or wrapped in a shroud, without using any plastic, fiberglass vaults, or harsh embalming chemicals. The natural burial process offers a way for us to honor the circle of life and return our bodies to the earth in a way that's gentle on the planet. It's a beautiful way to mark the end of our human journey while also nurturing the land that has sustained us. And the best part? Many conventional cemeteries are now setting aside designated areas for natural burials, allowing us to keep this tradition alive for generations to come.

We all have unique paths in life, each one bursting with experiences, values, and beliefs that shape who we are. So why should our exit be any different? Natural burial offers a burst of hope for those who crave an end that's in line with their authentic self. By honoring our values and beliefs, we can make a graceful exit that's true to who we are, and leave a positive legacy for those we love. Natural burial also provides a rich and healing experience for families, who can find comfort in knowing that their loved one's passing was marked by a sustainable and meaningful act. By choosing natural burial, we can find solace in knowing that our journey on this earth has come full circle, and that we've made a positive impact on the world around us.

The National Home Funeral Alliance’s Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Practice illuminates a beautiful approach to death and after-death care: the home funeral. This approach puts families and communities at the center of the experience, allowing them to play a key role in honoring the passing of their loved one. Through after-death rituals and ceremonies, such as laying out the deceased and home visitation of the body, families can find solace in the final moments with their loved one. They can also prepare the body for burial or cremation, file necessary paperwork, transport the deceased, and even facilitate the final disposition, such as digging a grave at a natural burial. And the beauty of the home funeral is that it can take place within the family home or other meaningful locations, such as nursing homes or hospitals. By prioritizing minimally invasive and environmentally friendly care practices, the home funeral approach encourages families to provide care for their loved one's body, empowering them to exercise their innate right to care for their own dead. Home funeral guides are trained to educate and empower families during this process, ensuring that they have all the tools they need to make this experience as meaningful and healing as possible.

In 2010, Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (PCCC) officially opened as the fourth of now ten conservation burial grounds in the United States. Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (PCCC) is a non-profit community cemetery nestled in a protected conservation area near Gainesville, Florida.  

Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (PCCC):

https://www.prairiecreekconservationcemetery.org/

An article from the March 2009 Smithsonian Magazine :

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Presence-of-Mind-Which-Way-Out.html

List of latest Green Burial Sites from:

 Grave Matters Blog

Books:

1. "On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross - a classic book about the stages of grief and coping with death.
2. "Living When a Loved One Has Died" by Earl A. Grollman - a guide for those who have experienced the death of a loved one and are struggling to cope.
3. "The Grief Recovery Handbook" by John W. James and Russell Friedman - a practical guide to understanding and working through grief.
4. "Healing After Loss" by Martha Whitmore Hickman - a daily meditation guide for those who have experienced loss and are looking for comfort and healing.
5. "Final Gifts" by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley - a book about the experience of dying and how to support those who are facing death.
6. "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" by Melba Colgrove, Harold H. Bloomfield, and Peter McWilliams - a guide for those who have experienced the loss of a romantic partner.
7. "The Art of Dying Well" by Katy Butler - a guide to the spiritual and emotional aspects of the dying process.
8. "Dying Well" by Ira Byock - a book about how to approach the end of life with peace, dignity, and grace.
9. "Good Grief" by Granger E. Westberg - a classic book about the stages of grief and how to cope with loss.
10. "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche - a spiritual guide to the process of dying and the afterlife, based on Tibetan Buddhist teachings.