Green funerals??

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I could tell you stories about my mom's funeral that would make you dislike that kind of stuff. even more. One of the worst parts was when the funeral director took us into the room to choose a casket -- it was just like being at a car dealership. My father asked, "Which one comes with the Blaupunkt stereo?" The whole ordeal from start to finish felt like being in a bad tv show and like we were performing for other people. It wasn't about my mom or our family at all. I think whatever people choose for themselves or their loved ones, it should be whatever makes them happy and brings them comfort -- and not about what they think is expected or conventional.

I completely understand! I felt the *exact* same way when we were at the funeral home for my Mom too, when I was 21. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I just abhor caskets - and not because of what they're for; I abhor them bc of what they've evolved into. If they were a simply made, well-crafted wooden box - I would honestly feel differently; but there is something vulgar about most of them these days that just makes me feel that something is wrong with what they represent.

Like you, I feel people should do whatever they need to bring comfort after losing someone - whether it's a funeral or something else. For me, funerals just don't bring me comfort, unfortunately...it's usually the opposite.

I really do like the idea of greener funerals though. I'll be cremated, so I guess that's green -- or I suppose that'd be more 'ashy', eh?

[Mom to Hot Rod]

I have to agree with about all the "ceremonial" stuff that comes with a funeral. Til this day I cannot tolerate the smell of flowers that are starting to die because the smell reminds me of my mother's funeral.

I'm not so sure I'd do the green funeral but I am all for cremation and being spread somewhere that I love. I've been saying this for many years.

[Potter]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Health concerns aside and if addressed, I actually really respect and like this idea. I'm not the biggest fan of many/most aspects of the funeral industry. I think it involves too much waste - materials, money, "things", grandiosity and not enough of what they really should be about (imho). I feel so strongly about the funeral thing that I even have it in my will that I don't want a funeral type deal when I pass . This really shouldn't be a surprise to my relatives since I didn't go to my college graduation, wouldn't have a bridal shower, wouldn't have a wedding (just me and hubby), don't like celebrating holidays...and on and on....they'll just be all "no funeral for Ann? Yeah, well DUH."

I am like that too. I skipped my university graduation, no bridal shower, no wedding...I am just a low-key, low profile person.