A series of reports about efforts to make the burial process more environmentally friendly.
![]() |
1) GREEN LAST REQUESTS, PART ONE
Memorial Day is coming up. Many people still visit the graves of family and friends, maybe bring flowers. When a loved one dies, grieving prevents most of us from thinking about the environmental consequences of conventional funerals and burial. But some people are beginning to weigh the environmental costs of caskets, burial vaults and grave markers. Todd Melby reports on the green death movement. |
![]() |
2) GREEN LAST REQUESTS, PART TWO
When businesses begin offering earth-friendly alternatives to traditional products, it often takes a while for those items to catch on. The funeral industry is no exception. Todd Melby reports on one undertaker's attempt at greening death. |
![]() |
3) GREEN LAST REQUESTS, PART THREE
During the past couple of centuries, the typical graveyard hasn't changed much. It's central features still include tombstones, winding paths, trees and grass. Some critics want cemeteries to ban tombstones, stop fertilizing, and institute other green practices. Todd Melby reports that traditional burial practices die hard. |




