Reclaiming the Journey of Death and Dying: Green Burials in Minnesota

Course Description: On May 24, 2024, Governor Walz signed a bill legalizing natural organic reduction (human composting) in Minnesota, making us the 11th state to legalize this new option for people to return to the earth naturally, with fewer harmful environmental impacts. Starting July 1, 2025, licensed providers will be able to offer this service in Minnesota.

With green burial options come a new way of thinking about death and the dying process. This unique class provides an introduction to green burial options in Minnesota, given by a leader at the forefront of the state’s green burial movement. This is paired with an exploration of what it means to reclaim the dying process, death rituals, and new ways of understanding the historical, social, cultural, political, spiritual, and ethical contexts that influence our views of death and dying.

In addition to learning about human composting, water cremation, and green burial, the class will explore emerging/returning practices of keeping people at home during the dying process, home vigils, and family/friends directed funerals/rituals.  We will end with a variety of local and national resources.

This class will include a morning session, hour+ lunch break with time for a walk outdoors or relaxing stroll through the farm, and an afternoon session.

What to Bring: Please bring your own lunch, notebook and pen. Optional: Feel free to bring an object to place on the centerpiece that represents an experience you’ve had with death.

All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.