The funeral industry is evolving, with more individuals and families seeking eco-friendly and non-traditional methods of body disposition. Advocacy groups across the US and Canada are playing a crucial role in promoting awareness, shaping legislation, and supporting families in choosing alternative methods such as aquamation, natural burial, and human composting. Below, we highlight key advocacy groups in both countries and their contributions.
Prominent Advocacy Groups in the US
- The Green Burial Council (GBC)
The GBC is a leading organization advocating for environmentally sustainable burial practices. They provide certifications for funeral homes, cemeteries, and products that meet specific green standards, making it easier for consumers to find eco-friendly options. - Recompose
Recompose is known for pioneering human composting as a legal method of disposition. They advocate for legislative changes to allow human composting in more states and educate the public on its benefits as an eco-friendly alternative. - National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA)
NHFA promotes the home funeral movement, advocating for families to take an active role in the care of their deceased loved ones. The group provides resources, training, and support to demystify the home funeral process and help families navigate legalities. - Order of the Good Death
Founded by Caitlin Doughty, this group promotes a cultural shift around death and dying, supporting alternative practices and educational outreach. They aim to help individuals confront death more openly and explore different disposition choices without stigma.
Prominent Advocacy Groups in Canada
- The Natural Burial Association (NBA)
The NBA supports the development and awareness of natural burial grounds across Canada. They work with communities, landowners, and policymakers to expand access to natural burial options, focusing on preserving land and reducing environmental impact. - Canadian Integrative Network for Death Education and Alternatives (CINDEA)
CINDEA advocates for death education and supports the integration of alternative funeral practices. Their network helps connect individuals with resources for holistic and eco-friendly disposition methods, such as green burial and aquamation. - The Green Burial Society of Canada (GBSC)
GBSC works to raise awareness about the ecological benefits of green burial and provides guidelines for environmentally sound practices. They also collaborate with cemeteries and funeral homes to increase certified green burial locations nationwide. - Human Composting Advocates
While human composting is not yet widely legal in Canada, advocacy groups and environmental organizations are pushing for its acceptance, inspired by legislative progress in the US. These groups emphasize sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional funeral methods.
