Ashes to ashes, dust to dust? Not in the 'modern' burial. Since the introduction of embalming (say since the US Civil War) bodies are no longer reunited with the earth. (Having heard the report from a family member present at the relocation of a decades deceased relative- embalmed corpses do not naturally biodegrade. Sorry- it has to be said.)
Each year tons of resources are wasted in burials (hardwood or metal coffins, concrete vaults), and pollution released (formaldhyde from embalming, cremation air releases, and herbicide/pesticide maintenance of cemeteries ). The long-term and personal costs are staggering.
A while back a friend asked about alternatives to the modern wasteful and impersonal burial; luckily now there are choices. The Eco or Green burial movement aims to stop the waste and pollution caused by conventional burial methods, while also preserving nature areas. People from many differing faiths or perspectives are now turning to green burials. So if you want a tree planted to grow at your natural burial site- like me- you have options.
Resources:
Forest of Memories "is a non-profit, non-denominational organization of volunteers interested in furthering the development of Eco Burial Grounds in Canada and the U.S.A." The site has lists of green burial facilities in the US, Canada, and Europe. It also has links to US state laws on burials, which is helpful.
Green Burial Council " is an independent, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization working to encourage environmentally sustainable deathcare and the use of burial as a new means of protecting natural areas."
Natural Burial Cooperative- natural burial directory
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P.S.
Right after writing this article I heard about a local family being required to pay federal "taxes" and per-person fees for individual mourners at a pre-paid funeral. (Hmm- I wonder what that funeral director's god/karma will repay them with for that scam?) Know your rights and options before you need them.
Consumer resources:
Funeral Help Program- funeral planning and options
US Federal Trade Commission's Funerals page
Funeral Consumer's Alliance How-to Complaint page with good information on what funeral directors must inform you of and how to file a complaint. Also a good FAQ page.
US IRS Publication 559- Survivors, Executors, and Administrators (for 2009 tax returns)- get your own tax and estate information.
Some states have their own funeral bureaus or departments. In California this is the CA State Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.