Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

When we think about what happens to our body after we die, some of us may picture a heavy, polished casket or an urn of ashes left after cremation.

But a growing number of people are choosing to return to the earth in more environmentally friendly ways.

Some are choosing water-based cremation, which doesn’t burn fossil fuels. Others are planning simpler death rituals that skip embalming, steel caskets and concrete burial vaults. Instead, the body is placed in the ground in a biodegradable basket or shroud and allowed to decompose as quickly and as naturally as possible. 

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about rising interest in these greener options and some of the questions and concerns that surround them.

Why a green burial cemetery is dividing residents in northeast Minnesota

Dispute over green cemetery heads to court amid growing interest in natural burials

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Business and Economic News

Health

Religion and Faith

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

On Air

Host

Author

As people look for environmentally friendly ways to live, some are asking if death can be sustainable, too. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the growing interest in natural burials, water-based cremation and other green funeral practices. 

MPR News with Angela Davis - As people look for environmentally friendly ways to live, some are asking if death can be sustainable, too. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the growing interest in natural burials, water-based cremation and other green funeral practices. 

A greener way to go? More people are rethinking what happens to their body after death

Go Deeper.

Like this?