We petition the Minnesota Department of Health to proceed, without delay, using the wealth of scientific research that already exists, to develop recommendations specifying regulations for protection of ground water quality relative to green burial and green cemetery practices in Minnesota.  No further expensive, taxpayer- funded studies are needed!.

Henceforth, upon receiving such recommendations, we petition the Minnesota Legislature to 1) adopt such regulations, and 2) rescind the two-year moratorium on green burials.

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Green burial is, by far, a more ecologically sound practice. Conventional burial involves use of toxic embalming fluids, non-degradable materials in caskets, and highly toxic processes in the production of concrete for concrete vaults.  Conventional cremations emit greenhouse gases in that huge amounts of fossil-based fuel are used in each incineration.  And, conventional cemeteries, with their obligation to maintain a “park-like” appearance into perpetuity, create an enormous environmental footprint.  

Minnesotans deserve the right to exercise their freedom of consumer choice when deciding upon the type of burial and type of cemetery that is congruent with their spiritual beliefs and ecological sensibilities.