Transforming Funeral Services: Green Burials and Water Cremation Explained with Seth Viddal

In this week's episode of The Matcha Guardians, we dive into a profound discussion on end-of-life care with Seth Viddal, co-founder of The Natural Funeral in Lafayette, Colorado. Seth shares his personal journey into the funeral service industry, which began through his own experience of losing close family members and the realization that the conventional funeral services did not adequately serve his family's diverse needs. This realization spurred him to create a funeral home that offers personalized and meaningful services that actively involve families in the process.

Seth's approach to funeral service is unique and deeply compassionate, focusing on family empowerment and ecological responsibility. He emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in the care of deceased loved ones, offering options that allow families to be directly involved in the preparation and memorialization of the body. This can include activities such as bathing and dressing the deceased, which can be therapeutic and meaningful for grieving families.

One of the standout offerings of The Natural Funeral is water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation uses a small amount of water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to its basic elements. This process consumes less energy and results in a liquid essence that can be returned to the earth as a bio-stimulant, enriching the soil without causing pollution.

Seth also introduces us to the concept of natural organic reduction, also known as terramation or body composting, which is another eco-friendly option offered by The Natural Funeral. In this process, the body is placed in a chrysalis vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa, and inoculated with beneficial bacteria and fungi to accelerate decomposition. Over a few months, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to nourish plants and return life to the earth.

Throughout the episode, Seth explains the ecological impacts of traditional burial and cremation practices, highlighting the environmental benefits of the alternatives they offer. He also touches on the legal aspects and growing acceptance of these practices across the United States.

Seth's dedication to providing meaningful, eco-conscious end-of-life services is truly inspiring. He and his team at The Natural Funeral are paving the way for a more personalized and environmentally responsible approach to funeral care, resonating with families who seek to honor their loved ones in a way that aligns with their values.

The Natural Funeral: thenaturalfuneral.com

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