Green Burial: The cycle of life

Water Cycle

I am sure that environmentalist and clean water advocates will not be happy with this particular article. This can also be against the law so check your local ordinances. So do you remember in elementary school when you first learned about the water cycle? Just in case, like me, it has been a long time since elementary school for you, this cycle is depicted in the above picture. Can you imagine a drop of water starting in a mountain stream and making it all the way down to the ocean. Particles of stuff are suspended in the water and carried for who knows how far downstream. So if you really want to spread those ashes, here is what you do.

Have your spirit whisperer take your ashes and mix them with water. They must then hike up to the beginning of a mountain stream and pour the contents in the water. A remote location with no one around seems like a very good idea. In case you aren't aware, the Hindus have run into problems trying to place their ashes in the river. Hindu custom dictates that a father’s eldest son should light his funeral pyre and that his ashes should be scattered in a river or the sea within 13 days. They traditionally place the ashes in the river along with gifts to the deceased. If you travel to India, it perfectly acceptable to do this along with the rest of the country. In other places, you are on your own.

If you decide to spread your ashes this way, donate some money or your time to cleaning up a river. After all, you don't want to end up in a river full of garbage and nasty chemicals. Otherwise, you might as well flush yourself down the sewer. Pick a clear mountain stream and perhaps, as time passes, a small part of you will make its way slowly to the nearest ocean. All along the way, the water will be depositing small parts of your ashes as they get trapped or sink to the bottom of the stream. A very good way to go out in style and return to greening the earth.