The ACT Greens are encouraging Canberrans to beat spiralling funeral expenses by cutting out optional extras like coffins and headstones.
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Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur, responding to reports in the Canberra Times that burials in Canberra's cemetery now cost more than $5000, said today that the "natural burial" process could be a cost-saver.
The Greens have successfully lobbied for natural burials to be included in plans for a new cemetery in Canberra's south and Ms Le Couteur said that she wanted to see the idea expanded.
In the natural burial process, the deceased is buried in a shroud, there is no marker for the grave and the burial area is kept looking as natural as possible.
Ms Le Couteur, who is also a champion of cardboard coffins, said that more and more Canberrans were attracted to the eco-friendly option of a natural burial.
“A growing number of ACT residents are interested in returning to the earth in a natural and environmentally friendly way,” Ms Le Couteur said.
“Sustainable alternatives to traditional burial or cremation include biodegradable coffins and shrouds. Natural burial methods have been operating successfully in other jurisdictions for many years."
