As I take stock of my age in the final days of my 80th decade, I'm very aware that my days alive on earth are fewer. I am fortunate. I can have wonderful discussions with my spouse and family about how I wish my farewell to be. I desire that whatever the celebrations they will conclude with an affirmative way for my body to be put to rest. In the ground.

I very much hope that my death will be simple, take place in my own bed with family around me. Then, my body will be cleaned and prepared by them, wrapped in clothing and shroud, ready to be moved directly to a burial place already prepared, and within a few days lowered into a grave that is a little over three feet deep so that my body can join the natural processes of the earth. This will be in a  park dedicated to such green burials.

Family and friends can choose ways to open the burial space, enclose the body, if desired, in a biodegradable container, and cover the space—all as they wish. If a commemorative marker is chosen, they can see to that. If there will be a public memorial service, it can be planned for the future.

As a pastor for 60 years, I've participated in many burials. I have not paid sufficient attention until recently to details in some of our practices that aren't favorable to natural processes and can even add to pollutants. I am grateful, therefore, to those who are organizing in the Midcoast for the purposes of developing areas that can serve the green burial process, and  provide public events for information and discussion about this opportunity.

Consultation with public authorities, funeral directors and members of faith communities is ongoing. Information: www.midcoastmainegreenburial.org.

Rev. Ralph Moore is Retired Rector at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rockland