Rest In Peace: The Case for Natural Burial

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In the 1800’s smog filled the air, trash was left in streets, and waste disposal was a term yet to be
used by any companies. But environmentally friendly burials were a commonplace event to take
place in cemeteries. Nowadays we filter our air, throw out our garbage, and every city has some
company working with it on waste disposal. But we bury cement, steel, copper, brass, and other
non-biodegradable materials during almost every funeral. These are the reasons my partner and I
stand resolved: that The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its
environmental policy.

Next I would like to define some of the terms used in the resolution. Starting with
Observation One:

Definitions:

Significant: having or likely to have influence or effect (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
2010)

Reform: to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of
action (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary 2010)

Environmental: he complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors (as climate, soil, and living
things) that act upon an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form
and survival (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary 2010)

Policy: a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of
given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions (Merriam Webster Online
Dictionary 2010)

For the purpose of the round, this is a net benefits case. What this means is that the
negative team MUST PROVE that we will not create a benefit over the status quo. And the
affirmative team must prove we will create a net benefit.

Observation Two:
I would like to define the problems that are in the status quo.

1_How much non-biodegradable material do we bury?

Jan 2/ 2010
http://www.naturalburial.org/

Each year in the U.S.’s 22,500 cemeteries we bury roughly:

827,060 gallons of embalming fluid
90,272 tons of steel (caskets)
2,700 tons of copper and bronze (caskets)
1,636,000 tons of reinforced concrete (vaults)
14,000 tons of steel (vaults)
30-plus million board feet of hardwoods (caskets)
2_ What is in just one acre of land in an average cemetery?
 Rest In Peace: The Case for Natural Burial

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Jan 2/ 2010
http://www.naturalburial.org/

The average cemetery buries 1,000 gallons of embalming fluid, 97.5 tons of steel, 2,028 tons of
concrete, and 56,250 board feet of high quality wood in just one acre of green.

3_Formaldehyde, the main ingredient in embalming fluid, has terrible side effects
http://www.naturalburial.coop/about-natural-burial/conventional-burial/

Formaldehyde, the primary ingredient in embalming fluids and a potential carcinogen (on the
European Union’s list for possible banning) is another concern. We bury nearly a million gallons
of embalming fluid every year in North America, some of which eventually leaches out and runs
into surrounding soil and groundwater. Formaldehyde’s effect on members of the mortuary trade
is clear. Numerous studies have shown that embalmers and funeral directors exhibit a higher
incidence of leukemia and cancers of the brain and colon, among other ailments.

Observation Three:
These problems, though daunting as they seem, can be fixed. To create a benefit over the status
quo, I offer you the following plan.

Agency: Any needed Federal agency, specifically the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Mandate 1: The production of non-biodegradable coffins or vaults will be ceased within 3 yrs.
In order for coffins to be considered bio-degradable, they must be fully degraded within 20 yrs of
use. To put it in simple terms, If it to be allowed to go in the ground, it must be biodegradable.

Mandate 2: Embalming will no longer be allowed except in cases where state law requires it,
and will not except alternative methods in its place.

Funding: the cost of this plan in total shall be 15 million dollars. We will be cutting useless
federal programs compiled by the Citizens Against Governmental Waste (CAGW) the amount of
funds available from these programs equals 19.6 billion dollars. (it is safe to say, we have more
than enough money available for any needed adjustments)

Enforcement: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will conduct yearly searches of
coffin manufactures and dealers to assure compliance. Any organizations found not following
mandates 1 and 2, will be punished to the full extent of law according to similar crimes,
including loss of business license and a large fine.

Timeline: The new laws regarding embalming will take effect upon the enactment of this plan.
This plan shall take effect immediately upon an affirmative ballot.

Observation Four:
How this plan will create benefits, and what benefits we can expect from this plan.
 Rest In Peace: The Case for Natural Burial

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1_What is natural burial?

Dec 31st 2009
http://www.greenburials.org/
Simple and natural. Green burials, or natural burials, ensure the burial site remains as natural as
possible in all respects. Interment of the bodies is done in a bio-degradable casket, shroud, or a
favorite blanket. No embalming fluid, no concrete vaults.

2_Natural burial is cheaper than the traditional burial service

September 30, 2009
http://www.offtheurbangrid.com/saving-money/natural-burial-vs-traditional-burial

Conventional burials are more expensive and cost anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000, but natural
burials cost between $500 and $2,000.

3_Natural burials increase nutrient levels in the ground

September 30, 2009
http://www.offtheurbangrid.com/saving-money/natural-burial-vs-traditional-burial

On the other hand, Lynda Hannah, director of Living Legacies (a natural funeral service),
rebutted Day’s comments by saying that diseases living in the body die when the body dies. In
addition, natural burials have shown to improve soil conditions making the soil rich in nutrients
and viable for plant life. Who knew that your decaying body could have a purpose?

4_Natural burials have numerous advantages

September 30, 2009
http://www.offtheurbangrid.com/saving-money/natural-burial-vs-traditional-burial

Natural burials might not be traditional, but there are many advantages: inexpensive, eco-friendly
and conservative. If you haven’t had time to give back to the Earth while you have been alive,
natural burials are a way to fulfill this obligation.