Spreading your ashes : The new green burial method

Green burial is the new frugal way to memorialize your passing into the after life. It doesn't take up space in a cemetery and it doesn't require embalming fluids that will leak out into the ground water. A representative from Fort Snelling says that 60% of the veterans in the Midwest US are now opting for cremation. Today there is even a greener method than cremation that uses water instead of fire. A Swedish company is using liquid nitrogen to freeze and break up a body into individual pieces. So, you have different more than one way to select for the process but all provide you with a greener method of burial.

Changes in planning
Either way you chose, the traditional steps to mourn the passing will be changing as the method changes. This means not having a traditional funeral and grave yard service before burying the body. Instead it brings flexibility to honor the passing in many different ways with no time constraint to get it done quickly. Some families are waiting until their yearly visit to perform the memorial service and then spread the ashes. It gives them time to remember the joy of the life lived and family time to plan the trip.

Wake/Memorial Service
Plan a memorial service to replay the best memories of your life. Since you don't have the constraints of a traditional funeral, plan it for the place and time that fits your memories of the loved one that has passed. An artist will show their art and a hunter might want to have their service outdoors near their favorite hunting spot. Another might display their crafts while someone else will display the collection they spent a lifetime gathering. Whatever it is that you think defines your life, show it, discuss it, and let your loved ones share the memories. Don't forget to toast a life well lived instead of mourning the loss.

Memorials
Select a memorial that may or may not be placed near where you will scatter the ashes. Some places like the US National Parks will not let you erect a memorial so that will have to be placed elsewhere. There are memorial park and gardens where you can place a memorial. Cemeteries are starting to add memorial parks also. You may even design an online memorial for your loved one if you so desire.

Spreading your ashes
Have a private service at your selected place for scattering your ashes or a big party if you so desire. Those that select air scattering or sea scattering usually have a small intimate group there. Whereas those that pick fireworks to be spread will have a big party.  If they are to be spread in a remote location, you may have to hire someone to hike in with them. Either way, pick out a nice poem, eulogy, or prayer to say when you spread the ashes. It is all up to you to decide just where and how you will spread those ashes. Make it personal.

So here are the steps. Do the cremation, have a memorial/Wake service, decide on a memorial, and spread your ashes. Just do what you think is appropriate for your loved one and let them go out in style.