A local organization is trying to increase public awareness about the benefits of having a natural burial after death.
According to Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton, natural burial grounds are becoming increasingly popular across the province and our area is lagging behind.
Spokesman Allan McKeown said these types of sites help preserve land for generations to come.
"There's no embalming and there's no concrete vaults or in-ground liners," said McKeown. "The body is allowed to decompose naturally and return to the earth. It would be buried in a biodegradable container, such as wicker or a simple wood, with no chemicals or metal attachments, very simple."
McKeown said the cost would likely be higher than a cremation but less than a regular burial because it's simpler and there's no headstones or expensive caskets involved.
He said cremation isn't as environmentally friendly as one may think.
"Cremation releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which is a greenhouse gas. So, if we had this option, that would be in keeping with Sarnia's climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's a much more sustainable and friendly and gentle option to return the body to the earth in a natural way."
You can learn more during an upcoming presentation at the Sarnia Library Theatre.
It's being held February 21 at 7 p.m.
There will be a question and answer session and a couple of biodegradable caskets will be on display.
