As interest in green burials grows, so does some opposition

ROCHESTER — The generation known for challenging social norms and traditions is dying to change another industry.

Green burials are becoming more in demand as baby boomers plan their deaths. Industry leaders worry proposed legislation might make the option more difficult for Minnesotans to choose.

Green burials avoid embalming, use biodegradable materials in burial, and forego concrete vaults.

“I think a lot of it is led by Baby Boomers,” said Deah Kinion, a Rochester certified end-of-life doula and co-founder of the Southeast Minnesota Threshold Network. The group helps lead, plan and educate people about home vigils, green burials and other areas of natural and environmentally friendly death practices.

“A lot of us are environmentalists,” Kinion said. “We want to make a difference;