The typical American funeral boasts exotic flowers, a coffin made of fancy wood, and formaldehyde-based embalming. But green burials require fewer resources and skip a number of unnecessary steps; they also tend to be less expensive.Today I speak with green mortician Elizabeth Fournier about alternatives to conventional burials and cremations that are easier on the planet.Here's a preview:[5:00] Exactly what's wrong from an environmental standpoint with standard burials and cremations[12:30] A brief history of embalming: Is it actually necessary?[19:00] Liner-free plots, conscious caskets, and more: The tenets of a green burial[28:30] How exactly does a green burial compare in terms of cost?[33:00] Everything you need to know about aqua cremation, burials at sea, and natural organic reduction Resources mentioned/Further reading:The Green Burial Guidebook: Everything You Need to Plan an Affordable, Environmentally Friendly BurialElizabeth on Instagram @elizabethgreenreaperLet Your Love GrowEternal Reefs--* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy