earthrise - Green Goodbyes

Death is a messy business. In America alone, 1.6 million tonnes of cement and over 870,000 gallons of embalming fluid - commonly containing formaldehyde - are buried along with 2.5 million caskets every year. One solution is to use eco-friendly biodegradable coffins made out of cardboard or even banana leaves. Campaigners also hope to increase the number of natural burial sites, where plots blend in with the natural surroundings. There are currently fewer than 40 in the US.