Scoop: Rest in Green Peace

You strive to be environmentally aware in your daily life—and now you can continue your green efforts to the very end at The Meadow, the newest addition to the Moles Greenacres Memorial Park (molesfamilyfuneralhome.com) in Ferndale. At this 4.5-acre development—and at Washington’s only other green cemetery in Goldendale (both certified by the Green Burial Council)—being green goes beyond the burial container. Underground, you’ll become one with the earth after being buried in a 100 percent biodegradable, nontoxic casket, shroud or cardboard box. Aboveground, the cemetery landscape has a natural appearance, devoid of headstones (sustainably sourced and engraved river rocks are used instead) and mausoleums (which are prohibited), plus it’s maintained as an open public space available for activities such as walking and picnicking. As with many things in life—and death—there’s a price for being green. Green plots cost a little more than most (starting at $1,950) because of the larger-than-usual sizes required to lower the nutrient density of the land. But when a guilt-free ending is possible, is any price too high?