Whether you choose traditional burial or a green burial or cremation, you might want to choose  a “container”.  You don’t have to have a container for a green burial or for cremation if you want to be scattered.  For a green burial you can opt to be simply wrapped in a shroud or other simple garment and buried.  But I was pretty amazed to discover coffins (or caskets) come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes and are made out of some amazing materials.

The traditional casket is what you’ve probably seen at most traditional services; bronze or copper or various colors, lots of metal and very substantial looking.  Batesville is one of the largest makers of caskets.  When you purchase a Batesville casket, they plant a tree in the forest in honor of your loved one.  I know, I know, but it’s a step in the right direction.  Traditional caskets range in price from $250 (for a simple pine box) up to $8,000.   A company called “Art Caskets” will paint a beautiful mural on your casket which relates to the dearly departed’s life.  They offer military, fireman, policeman, golfer, fishing, hunting, and religious paintings.  Have a look at www.artcaskets.com.

If you want something a bit edgier and green,  have a look at the “Cocoon” below.  It’s created by a German company and looks, well, like a cocoon.  It is priced at around $12,000.  It’s made from untreated jute and eco-resin.  It’s made by hand and it will biodegrade over a period of about 10-15 years.  The shine is created using an environmentally benign water based varnish.  You can use this coffin for cremation also. It’s made by Uono.  www.uono.de   Also have a look at www.crazycoffins.com   This company created a “skateboard” coffin for a young boy who was killed while on his skateboard.  His parents had a replica made for his burial.  And I love the “egg”.  A woman wanted to be buried in the fetal position and had Crazy Coffins create this for her.

And I love the woven wicker and willow, or bamboo coffins for a green burial.  But one of the best (in my estimation) is the ecopod.  It is made of recycled news and office paper.  It’s very futuristic looking and colorful because the outside is covered in recycled silk rice paper.  It’s in high demand so the company (Arka Ecopod) suggests you preorder this item.  I’m not sure I want to store a coffin in my garage.  But I suppose you could store Christmas decorations in it until you need it (grin).  A great resourse is www.naturalburialcompany.com.   They offer lots of information on coffins and urns.

And speaking of urns; do you have a family member who’s a motorcycle rider?  Have a look at this creative urn.  It’s designed to replicate a motorcycle gas tank.  Very cool.  This one is offered by www.inthelighturns.com and by the way, if you want to keep the cremated remains of your loved one really close to you, they offer a teddy bear holding a small pouch.  You guessed it; some of the cremated remains are stored in the pouch.