Pushing Up Daisies

The old term for death and burial, "pushing up daisies," may return to popular use. "Green burial" uses dry ice to preserve the human body for the funeral. Then the body is buried in a cloth shroud or simple bio-degradable casket in a cemetery, which may look more like a wildflower preserve than a stoneyard. Several organizations supporting "green burial" contend it is more environmentally friendly than the use of toxic chemicals for embalming, and concrete vaults as grave liners. It's also a lot less expensive. Dry ice is widely used as a refrigerant. Well-established safety precautions have enabled dry ice to preserve many things, including a departed friend or relative.

Call Continental Carbonic toll-free at 800-DRY-ICE2. Visit our News Archive to find out about more ways to use dry ice.