Green Funerals

With a new emphasis on environmental issues, it was only a matter of time that the focus would turn to funerals.  Among the criteria for "Green Funerals" are:

"Un-embalmed remains are put directly into the ground, either shrouded in cloth or buried in natural caskets made of biodegradable materials, such as ... pine." (NPR - Burials and Cemeteries Go Green)

In other words, a "green funeral" is a traditional Jewish burial.  The coffins traditionally used in a Jewish funeral are made out of pine wood.  In fact, they are built with wooden nails; no metal is used.  The deceased is dressed in plain burial shrouds.

The reason for simplicity in burial is because Judaism wants decomposition to take place.  Man was fashioned from dust and should be returned to dust.  The burial procedure is a reminder that our bodies are not ours forever, they are a gift on loan from the A-mighty.

But for now, when someone asks you about "going green" you can tell them that your funeral will be green, as Judaism has been practicing for thousands of years.