# SolarPunk: Human Burials

By [Cyfix](https://paragraph.com/@cyfix) · 2023-02-13

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Imagine becoming a fruit free after your death and having your body returned to the Gia once your time in the world is ended. Pod burials are a type of eco-friendly or “green” burial option in which the deceased’s body is placed in a biodegradable pod and buried in a nature reserve or food forest. The idea behind this method of burial is to promote biodiversity by allowing the body to decompose naturally and become part of the ecosystem. The decomposing of the body provides essential nutrients to the soil, which can then support the growth of plants and trees, ultimately contributing to the creation of a food forest.

Food forests which are intentional agroforestry systems that mimic the structure and diversity of natural forests, with the primary goal of producing food help to create a sustainable and resilient ecosystem that can provide food, shelter, and habitat for a variety of species, including humans. In this context, pod burials are seen as a way to promote the development of food forests by adding organic matter to the soil and supporting the growth of new plants and trees. In these burials, the body is placed in a biodegradable pod made from materials such as willow, bamboo, or banana leaves. The pod is designed to decompose quickly and harmlessly, allowing the body’s nutrients to be absorbed into the soil and contributing to the health of the ecosystem.

There is also a cultural aspect to this style of burial that helps move us to a more eco-centric frame of mind after a person dies and forces to contemplate life and our part in it as members of the ecosystem and it gives people the opportunity to be closer to the earth at a spiritual level. It is likely that in a Solarpunk future, these burial methods, specifically Pod burials will be the mainstream among all cultures.

In solarpunk fiction and culture, pod burials are a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional funerary practices, which can have a significant impact on the environment. This is rooted in the idea of creating a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, and of finding solutions to environmental problems that are both technologically advanced and in line with traditional cultural practices: The use of biodegradable materials, such as plant-based plastics or natural fibers, helps to minimize the long-term impact of burials on the environment, while the compact design of the pods reduces the amount of land required for cemeteries; And accompanied by other environmentally-friendly practices, such as memorial tree plantings, the use of solar-powered lighting, or the creation of green spaces for the living to enjoy. These practices reflect the solarpunk philosophy of creating a world that is both technologically advanced and in harmony with nature.

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*Originally published on [Cyfix](https://paragraph.com/@cyfix/solarpunk-human-burials)*