Green Burial Council to Host “Green Life, Death & Future,” a Virtual Conference, October 21-28, Offering a Front Row Seat to Learn All Things Green Burial
The Green Burial Council (GBC), a non-profit organization that inspires and advocates for environmentally sustainable, natural death care through education and certification, will host its second annual Green Burial Conference virtually through Zoom on October 21 through October 28.
This year’s event will include a full slate of deep learning for green burial advocates and operators. There will also be two days of programming for the general public who are interested in learning more about green burial. Other new initiatives leading up to this year’s event include social media giveaways for licensed funeral directors and an Aspiring Practitioners Program for mortuary science students.
With the eco-conscious population growing throughout the U.S. and the world, this multi-day event will feature death care industry leaders discussing important topics relevant to green burial.
“We couldn’t be more excited to gather this slate of industry professionals to discuss the future of green burial,” said Jane Black, vice president of the Green Burial Council Board of Directors. “Following last year’s success with more than 250 attendees, we look forward to hosting a conference that everyone can access virtually, with interesting and relevant information for attendees of all backgrounds.”
On October 21, the event will kick off with a free, 45-minute program for everyone who is “green burial curious.” On Sunday, October 24th, the second day will feature four engaging sessions. Green Burial experts, Kimberly C. Paul, Melissa N. Unfred, John Niedfeldt-Thomas, Rachel Essig, Jodie Buller and Holly Pruett will provide an overview of sustainable options and innovative end-of-life services that can radically reduce our environmental footprint when we die.
Attendees will learn about types of services, cemeteries and vessels that are available, and the assurances that GBC Certification offers. Hear the practicalities and benefits of being more hands-on when it comes to handling any or all aspects of arrangements after a death. Each session will include a Q&A period with these experienced professionals who have helped hundreds of families understand their options.
On October 25, the topic will be “Growing the Movement.” Members of the SE Ohio Natural Burial Working Group—Natalie Wilson, Cheryl Cesta, Wenda Sheard and StarMary Castro—will discuss their experiences in Getting Governments & Communities Onboard for Green Burials. Laura Faessel and Maria St. Clair of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, with Mary Ann Perry of the Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Ashland, Oregon, and Carlos Gonzalez of Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery near Gainesville, Florida, will speak about The Next Generation of Deathcare Workers.
On October 26 topics in “Technology & Science” will be covered. For October 27, the sessions will discuss Earth’s Green Future and the conference will close on October 28 with a focus on the Personal & Cultural aspects of green burial.
The GBC is expanding its offerings of support and education to the next generation of funeral directors and cemeterians. The conference will include a commitment to the future through its Aspiring Practitioners Program (APP). This new initiative will bring a select group of mortuary science students to the conference at no charge. Mortuary students and organizations or individuals interested in taking part in this program can apply here.
To learn more and register to attend the 2021 Green Burial Conference, Green Life, Death & Future, visit the website landing page here.
