The stone coffin contains a "gypsum burial"—a funerary practice where the deceased was encased in gypsum plaster, or a similar material, to form a protective "cocoon" around the body.

“A natural burial offers a reason to gather and have a funeral and ritual, even if you’re not religious,” Miller said. “People feel better about it when they have this idea about returning ...

It’s worth noting that green burial has been the ... such as a linen shroud, pine coffin or nothing at all, and they’re buried at a shallower depth to hasten natural biodegradation.

Voters will decide whether to allow green burials at Ashuelot Cemetery at the annual town meeting in May. The Select Board ...