The death of a loved one is often very painful and costly. However, there is a new option being offered for people looking for a final resting place that is both economical and environmentally-friendly.
The option is a green burial.
Texan George Russell donated the land for the Ethician Family Cemetery. It's for green burials only -- meaning no embalming fluid, no air tight caskets and no burial vaults.
"Why would you want to create a toxic wasteland? Why would you want to waste tons of bronze and concrete and all that stuff? What are you doing down there? You think granny is having a picnic? She turns into a toxic pickle," Russell said.
Russell opened the cemetery to people of all faiths, "If we are all God's children than we are all God's children. We have members who are atheist, Buddhist and even Muslim."
Green cemeteries are common in the United Kingdom. The first official one opened in the United States in South Carolina in 1996.
Green burials are legal in at least eight other states.
In Texas, the average burial costs around $5,000 to $6,000.
At the Ethician Family Cemetery, people are just asked to make a donation in whatever amount they can afford.
"If you don't have any money we will give you a place for free. I don't believe my church doesn't believe of profiteering off of death," said Russell.
Sollie Jackson, Jr., 57, has already picked out his spot in the Ethician Family Cemetery. He admits he has no insurance or burial plan.
"Whatever money is going to be spent -- $20,000 to $30,000 -- I would rather my family have the money to eat and pay their bills because this is going to have to be done after I am gone," Jackson said.
Texas law states a family can bury a loved one without hiring a funeral director. However, a statement of death and a death certificate are legally required.
People living in urban areas should check local city ordinances.
A green burial may not be for everyone, but for some it does have its advantages.
They say it's not only more economical, but it's also a way to make sure your final resting place is one that gives back to nature in it's purest form.
