03/13/2026
🌲 As a team that has been running an eco-conscious funeral service for 5 years, here’s everything you wouldn’t know to ask about death and funeral planning.
⚰️ Embalming is not required by law. Some funeral homes have policies that require embalming for viewings, but for most families, natural and minimal preparation is a safe and accessible way to spend time with a loved one after death without expensive preparation and harsh chemicals. Embalming can be beneficial in some circumstances, but you have the ability to choose.
⚱️ There is more to choose from than the “default” Burial and Cremation.
Water Cremation, Composting, and Natural Burial are becoming more accessible.
Be a Tree specializes in Water Cremation, which uses 90% less energy than Fire Cremation.
💸 The FTC has a law in place that requires a funeral home or cremation service to provide a “General Price List” when you are making arrangements for a loved one or pre-planning.
If pricing is not transparently provided, it is a red flag.
✅️ Pre-planning and pre-paying for your funeral arrangements is a great way to ensure your wishes are carried out. Some studies show that only up to 25% of people do any kind of pre-planning.
Certain pre-arrangements can also count toward Medicare spend downs, helping loved ones qualify for the care they need.
đź’™ The bottom line is you have more choices than you think when it comes to funeral services and making decisions before a time of grief or crisis can be extremely empowering for you and helpful for those left in charge.
