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Green burials, mushroom suits and water cremation: What families should know
By LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
(Aging Untold) — We all make choices about how we live and what we value. Some families put that same kind of thought into their final resting place, from the setting to the materials to the impact it leaves behind. Some families decide on a green burial. If that is something you are considering,...
Key takeaway At its core, a green burial means skipping embalming, Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , where the concept of green burials is gaining traction, families considering this option should be aware of the local funeral homes that offer such services. Starting a conversation with these establishments and asking the right questions can help individuals make informed decisions about their final resting place. The availability of alternatives like mushroom burial suits and water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, may vary in the area, and it's crucial to separate fact from fiction when exploring these options. As local experts like Amy O'Rourke and Katherine Ambrose emphasize the importance of planning ahead, Nashville residents can take advantage of the city's growing focus on environmentally conscious practices to find a funeral home that aligns with their values. By doing so, they can ensure that their end-of-life choices not only reflect their personal beliefs but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — We all make choices about how we live and what we value. Some families put that same kind of thought into their final resting place, from the setting to the materials to the impact it leaves behind. Some families decide on a green burial. If that is something you are considering,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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