We’ve all tried to be as green as possible. Recycling, grey water systems, car sharing – these measures go a long way towards reducing one’s ecological footprint in life. But what about in death?

The average burial is anything but green. Between the casket, which is made the paints and chemicals, and the ecological effects of the deceased’s remains themselves, the toll on the environment is profound. In the United States alone, 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid are buried every year. Just imagine the effect this has on groundwater reservoirs and animal life! Furthermore, Americans bury at least one million tons worth of steel in the form of caskets. These steel caskets do not biodegrade. Do you want permanent pollution to be your legacy after you pass?

There is a greener way to enter the afterli

In some parts of the country, aging urban sewer systems are creating havoc for repair teams. Surprisingly, some large cities still have combined sewer systems, and even the mildest rainstorm can cause sewer backups and dangerous waste runoff into the public water supply. Sewer and drain replacement can be much more challenging in urban areas due to heavy pedestrian traffic; traditional sewer line repairs involve heavy digging, disrupting everyday shopping and commuting routines for people in the area.

Newer “trenchless” sewer pipe inspection and repair technology could find its target audience in local and state governments looking to update aging urban