Author Topic: Buy an eco-burial plot?  (Read 4705 times)

PtboEliz

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Buy an eco-burial plot?
« on: June 02, 2014, 12:21:40 PM »

I was wondering if any mustachians out there have pre-purchased an eco-burial plot?

The corporatization of the funeral industry and negative environment impacts have been in the news lately here (in Canada). One article related that a typical 10-acre cemetery contains enough formaldehyde and other solvents to fill a swimming pool (chemicals which can leach into soil and groundwater). Also, the point was also made that cremation is not eco-friendly given the energy required to get to 1000 degrees celsius as well as off-gassing.

I've contacted a local eco-burial cemetery (there are only 3 in Canada and luckily one is close) and for $1,400 I can buy a plot in a pretty meadow where they will drop my shrouded and naturally decomposing self into the ground. One can pay for a quicky eco-funeral service as well, but why do that when friends/family can come to the graveside interment, then have a party somewhere nicer and cheaper than a funeral home :). 

Since I might live another 50 years and plans could change, there's an option to sell the plot back to the cemetery (at 60%) or sell to someone else for the going rate at the time.

Just wondered whether anyone else has had experience with this. I understand that green burial might be further along in the US and UK as a mechanism to protect and preserve land (I found this link http://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/greenburial.cfm).

Fishingmn

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2014, 12:30:57 PM »
Here in the US the trend is definitely toward cremation with over 50% choosing that option and it's growing fast. I would imagine that in 50 years it will be the choice of a large majority.

Since it sounds like you are pretty young I'd recommend putting off this decision for a few decades - who knows what you'll want to do at that point and no use spending money now when things can and probably will change.

Gerard

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2014, 12:35:14 PM »
My issue would be less with what kind of burial/cremation and more with the sketchiness of advance-purchase cemetery places. I would like to be composted, too, but I have little faith that any particular company will still be around when I die or want my money back.

socaso

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2014, 12:38:54 PM »
Here's an option I've been rather excited about: http://urnabios.com/ I've been having a lot of fun thinking about what kind of tree I want to be.

GuitarStv

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2014, 12:54:09 PM »
Yeah, I plan to be cremated and flushed down the toilet.  Seriously.  When I'm dead, I'm dead.  I'd prefer that the lifeless meat formerly known as GuitarStv is wasting as few resources or space as legally permissible.

dragoncar

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2014, 01:07:10 PM »
I prefer to be recycled into delicious soylent green.

Trip

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2014, 11:18:36 AM »
Here's an option I've been rather excited about: http://urnabios.com/ I've been having a lot of fun thinking about what kind of tree I want to be.

This has been my plan ever since I heard of the idea. I'd love for this to become more mainstream than today's burials.

YK-Phil

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2014, 11:39:58 AM »
For those who still want to go the traditional route, but have plenty of time on their hands before D-Day, here is a mustachian option.

GuitarStv

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #8 on: June 03, 2014, 11:41:23 AM »
^ doubles as a comfortable spare bed in the house too . . .

socaso

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Re: Buy an eco-burial plot?
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2014, 11:45:24 AM »
Here's an option I've been rather excited about: http://urnabios.com/ I've been having a lot of fun thinking about what kind of tree I want to be.

This has been my plan ever since I heard of the idea. I'd love for this to become more mainstream than today's burials.
I think people like the idea. I started mentioning it to friends and coworkers after I learned about it and largely people have thought it is a really cool idea. I thought maybe people would find me morbid!