The Morrill Memorial Library welcomes Joan Pillsbury of Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. to give a presentation about green burials and green cemeteries on Monday, March 4 at 7:00pm in the Simoni Room.

Green burial is a way of returning bodies to the earth after death. Called "green" burial for its ecological soundness, it is also commonly known as natural burial. A green or natural burial uses no embalming, no metal casket, and no burial liner or vault; the marker, if used, is typically flat. Because only biodegradable materials are used, in green burial a human body and its burial container enrich the soil.

Learn about what green burial is (and isn't); what Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. does; and what types of green cemeteries there are, where to find them, and/or how to green a local cemetery in this informative presentation. This will include a Q&A session.

About the presenter: Joan has been interested in green burial since 2009 when she read Mark Harris's book, Grave Matters: A Journey of the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial. Joan values the concepts of reduce, reuse and recycle, and has an energy efficient home with alternative energy sources. Green burial makes sense to her. Joan is passionate about having a green cemetery in Massachusetts for everyone.

About GBM, Inc: Green Burial Massachusetts (GBM) is a statewide, all-volunteer nonprofit whose guiding principle is to restore death to its rightful place in the cycle of life. Their goals are to start the first green cemetery open to all in Massachusetts, and to educate the public about green burial.

Registration is required for this in-person program. Please register using the form below, or by calling the Reference Desk at 781-769-0200 x2. This program is generously supported by the Friends of the Morrill Memorial Library.