The choices we make after death are not only about disposition of our body. They are about values, stewardship, and easing the burden on those we love. Thoughtful planning allows families to grieve without guessing, conflict, or unnecessary expense. Whether your priorities are simplicity, environmental care, tradition, or generosity through donation, understanding your options now is a gift to those who will carry out your wishes.
Families today have more choices than ever about what happens to the body after death. Some options reflect environmental values. Others reflect spiritual traditions, simplicity, cost considerations, or a desire to help others through donation.
Below is an overview of several approaches, with links for more information.
Green Burial
With growing awareness of environmental sustainability, time-honored traditions such as natural green burial and home funerals are returning to popularity.
Green burial avoids embalming chemicals, metal caskets, concrete vaults, and energy-intensive processes. Instead, the body is:
- Placed directly into the earth
- Buried in a biodegradable shroud or simple wooden casket
- Laid in a shallow grave that allows natural decomposition
- Returned to the soil in a conservation or natural cemetery setting
Green burial sites may be privately owned, church-affiliated, municipal, nonprofit, or operated in partnership with land conservancies.
National Resources
The most comprehensive national resource is the Green Burial Council.
Their website includes:
- Planning guides
- Legal considerations by state
- Cost comparisons
- Cemetery directories
- Family stories and educational videos
- Media Library
For more consideration:
A national directory with descriptions of conservation and hybrid cemeteries, state by state regulations and general directions for seekers of alternatives to modern conventional burial or cremation.
New Hampshire Resources
- NH Magazine article on green cemeteries
- NHPR story on sustainable burials in New Hampshire
- Life Forest Conservation Cemetery, Hillsborough, NH
- Lotus and Lavender Natural Burial, NH Seacoast region
Other Environmentally Focused Options
“Eight Green Burial Options You Should Know” is an article that includes benefits, examples and planning instructions for eight alternatives to conventional burial or cremation
Options discussed include:
- Natural Burial
- Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)
- Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
- Tree Pod Burial
- Mushroom Burial Suit
- Reef Burial (Eternal Reefs)
- Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds
- Conservation Burial
Important: Not all of these options are currently legal in New Hampshire. Regulations continue to evolve, so it is important to confirm state law before making plans.
Organ and Tissue Donation
Donation is another meaningful choice that allows a person’s death to contribute directly to saving or improving lives.
In New Hampshire and throughout New England, organ donation is coordinated through New England Donor Services. Their website covers eligibility, costs (no cost to donor families), donation process, registry information.
Anyone may register as an organ donor:
- Through their state’s department of motor vehicles
- Online via the National Donate Life Registry
Registering ensures your wishes can be honored promptly. Final consent is typically completed by next of kin at the time of death.
Organs that may be donated include heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and intestines. In certain circumstances, tissue and newer procedures such as vascular composite allografts (including hands, arms, or facial tissue) may also be possible.