5 things you can do with your body when you die

Yes, many options exist! ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell Death can be an overwhelming topic for people to talk — or even think — about. However, planning ahead for this inevitable experience may help bring you and your loved ones some peace of mind. When we wrote about the ability to turn your body into a tree a couple of years ago, SO many of you emailed us to express your thanks and tell us that you were interested in alternatives to more traditional burial methods. Today, we’re going to highlight a few more unconventional options you may not know of in hopes of sharing some more comforting information. • [How to tell if eggs are expired]( • [The surprising link between bedtime and dementia]( • [Foods and drinks that can raise or lower triglycerides]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota August 19, 2024 • 3 min read [How to honor your memory in an unconventional way]( what’s got us buzzing [How to honor your memory in an unconventional way]( I don’t need to tell you how devastating it can be to lose a loved one. On top of all the [grief](, pain, and sadness, there’s the need to plan — and afford — services.️ It can cost thousands of dollars to be buried in the United States between the funeral, headstone, casket, cemetery plot, and related expenses. A quick Google search shows that cremation, which some may assume is the more affordable option, can run up to $6,000 as well.️ Considering an alternative option could save your loved ones money, time, and stress. But most importantly, it can serve as a meaningful, values-driven way to honor your life, preserve your memory, or even [benefit the environment](.️ Some [green death practices]( can reduce the amount of natural resources spent on more traditional methods! For example, biodegradable coffins made of cardboard may be a more Earth-friendly option over cutting down trees for wood caskets. Cremation also requires a significant amount of fuel and releases a variety of chemicals into the atmosphere, which can damage the environment. ️ If you’re wondering what else you can do with your body aside from cremation or plot burial, here’s a list of other memorial options: - Donation: You could donate your body to a medical institution, for science, or to save another life. Finding a cause that aligns with your values or interests can help you serve a larger purpose beyond your time. - Tree burials: Turn your ashes into a biodegradable urn or pod that can grow into a tree of your choice. - Human composting: Support your body’s decomposition into nourishing soil for the earth through biodegradable suits, coffins, or embalming services. - Jewelry or artwork: Incorporate your ashes into a ring, necklace, bracelet, or decorative keepsake like a paperweight, suncatcher, or sculpture. - Vinyl pressing: Your ashes can be pressed into a vinyl record, which can play music or sound recordings of your choice. I hope this list brings you a sense of comfort, or maybe even helps [relieve your fear of dying](. If you’re interested in any of these ideas, I recommend researching which services are available and aligned with your preferences and needs. I know when my time comes, I’ll want my ashes to grow into an oak tree, just like the one standing tall in my parents’ front yard that I used to sit under and admire as a kid. Then, maybe my future family will do the same with the tree that grows from my remains. Sounds like the perfect circle of life!️ [what happens in your brain when you die?]( FROM OPTUM PERKS [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( Pay less for your diabetes medication with Optum Perks’ free discount card.* Use it at over 64,000 pharmacies across the United States. [START SAVING [→]]( *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🌱 [Our favorite CBD gummies for anxiety relief.]( Chew and chill! 🧂 [Reduce your sodium intake with these salt alternatives.]( Salternatives, if you will. 🫐 [The best diet for Parkinson’s disease.]( Eating and avoiding certain foods may help manage symptoms. 👀 [What does psoriasis on your hands look like?]( Check these pictures to find out. Thanks for reading. I hope today’s story brought you a sense of comfort. Now get out there and live! Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by life. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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