How to Dispose of a Body

Most of us are obligated to plan a funeral at some point, even if it's just our own. Burial has always been an option, and for most of history, it's a pretty good plan. Put the body underground, and we don't have to witness its degradation. But we've also developed embalming, coffins, and vaults that aren't biodegradable. In some places, burial is temporary, and bones are recovered after some years so the grave can be used again. Setting aside land for the dead is respectful, but can get out of hand when there are too many bodies and too little land. So what's a more sustainable way to, uh, dispose of a the deceased? Hank Green of SciShow lays out several alternatives and compares them for their effects on our future. (via Damn Interesting)