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funerals", without metal caskets, vaults, or embalming. Bodies are buried in biodegradable coffins or shrouds, and allowed to decay naturally, and recycle in a special eco-cemetery. Over 90,000 tons of metal, and 1.6 million tons of concrete each year are used for burials in the United States. Over 800,000 gallons of formaldehyde-based embalming fluids are used yearly. The Green Burial Council states that up to 40 funeral homes will be certified green next year, with more to come in the future.

While not every Boomer wants to be shot into outer space, submerged as a coral reef, or made into exquisite jewelry, they are interested in alternatives to traditional funerals and burials. Funeral directors across the nation have acknowledged this trend, and are aware of the necessity of making nontraditional choices available. Some have even had their hearses painted in colors other than black.

Boomers want to be remembered in life, and on their way out. According to a survey, by industry leader Batesville Casket Company, almost half of them, want their friends and family to throw a big party when they die. Organ music is out. Jazz, pop, and rock are in, with the casket resting on stereo speakers, playing the deceased's favorite tunes. Funeral directors have become less somber, and more like party planners. There are actual funeral planners now available, with services separate from the funeral home.

From exotic dancers to tractor processions, today's funerals are anything but boring. And it's all about how a person lived their life, not how they died. Jeffrey Seeley, Batesville Casket Company Vice President of Strategic Marketing, sums it all up by saying, "Baby Boomers are truly shaping the funeral of the future. They're adding personal touches to make the ceremony a unique celebration of an individual's life, rather than the mourning of a death."

Sources: http://www.funeralwire.com/fea tures/feature.php?id=54
http:// www.keohane.com/Takingthegrimo utofreaperA.htm
http://www.forb es.com/2004/10/08/cz_1008finds vpdeathcare.html
http://news.me dill.northwestern.edu/chicago/ news.aspx?id=67869
http://www.w ordspy.com/words/deathcareindu stry.asp
http://adage.com/artic le?article_id=121742
http://www .funeral-home-financing.com/fu neral-home-industry.html
http:/ /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral s
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/0 7/20/fashion/20funeral.html?_r =1&oref=slogin
http://www.canad a.com/national/nationalpost/ne ws/story.html?id=f02bb2a0-c0a7 -4eed-9547-c5d8a7ea222e&p=2

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