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Burial and memorial options: traditional and alternative

Written by Rest Assured | Apr 13, 2025 7:58:00 AM

Rest Assured webinar presented by Ruth Boydell and Anita McBride

 

As part of our Rest Assured series, this webinar focused on a deeply important and often overlooked question: how would your loved one really want their body to be cared for after death? The discussion centred on final disposition—what happens to the body after death—and the growing movement toward sustainable end-of-life practices.

 

Presenters Ruth and Anita offered grounded, practical guidance for individuals and families navigating these choices. Together, they explored a range of body disposition options, encouraging thoughtful consideration of environmental impact, personal values, and cultural or spiritual beliefs.

 

The webinar covered:

  • A historical overview of body disposition traditions

  • Current mainstream practices, such as cremation and traditional burial

  • Emerging and more sustainable alternatives, including:

    • Green (natural) burial

    • Above-ground interment

    • Renewable interment practices

    • Body donation to science

 

Participants also gained insight into how attitudes toward final disposition are shifting around the world, with a global update on trends, innovations, and legal developments in this evolving space.

 

The session concluded with an open Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share reflections, and deepen their understanding of how to make informed, respectful choices for themselves and their loved ones.