Yes, many options exist!
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| | | | Death can be an overwhelming topic for people to talk — or even think — about. However, planning ahead for this inevitable experience may help bring you and your loved ones some peace of mind. | | When we wrote about the ability to turn your body into a tree a couple of years ago, SO many of you emailed us to express your thanks and tell us that you were interested in alternatives to more traditional burial methods. | | Today, we're going to highlight a few more unconventional options you may not know of in hopes of sharing some more comforting information. | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
August 19, 2024 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | How to honor your memory in an unconventional way | | I don't need to tell you how devastating it can be to lose a loved one. On top of all the grief, pain, and sadness, there's the need to plan — and afford — services.️ | | It can cost thousands of dollars to be buried in the United States between the funeral, headstone, casket, cemetery plot, and related expenses. A quick Google search shows that cremation, which some may assume is the more affordable option, can run up to $6,000 as well.️ | | Considering an alternative option could save your loved ones money, time, and stress. But most importantly, it can serve as a meaningful, values-driven way to honor your life, preserve your memory, or even benefit the environment.️ | | Some green death practices can reduce the amount of natural resources spent on more traditional methods! For example, biodegradable coffins made of cardboard may be a more Earth-friendly option over cutting down trees for wood caskets. Cremation also requires a significant amount of fuel and releases a variety of chemicals into the atmosphere, which can damage the environment. ️ | If you're wondering what else you can do with your body aside from cremation or plot burial, here's a list of other memorial options: - Donation: You could donate your body to a medical institution, for science, or to save another life. Finding a cause that aligns with your values or interests can help you serve a larger purpose beyond your time.
- Tree burials: Turn your ashes into a biodegradable urn or pod that can grow into a tree of your choice.
- Human composting: Support your body's decomposition into nourishing soil for the earth through biodegradable suits, coffins, or embalming services.
- Jewelry or artwork: Incorporate your ashes into a ring, necklace, bracelet, or decorative keepsake like a paperweight, suncatcher, or sculpture.
- Vinyl pressing: Your ashes can be pressed into a vinyl record, which can play music or sound recordings of your choice.
I hope this list brings you a sense of comfort, or maybe even helps relieve your fear of dying. If you're interested in any of these ideas, I recommend researching which services are available and aligned with your preferences and needs. | | I know when my time comes, I'll want my ashes to grow into an oak tree, just like the one standing tall in my parents' front yard that I used to sit under and admire as a kid. Then, maybe my future family will do the same with the tree that grows from my remains. Sounds like the perfect circle of life!️ | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Thanks for reading. I hope today's story brought you a sense of comfort. Now get out there and live! | | | | | | |
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