Enterramiento natural

[00:00:19] Let’s talk about the Natural Burial Association. The first question is: what is your relationship with this association?

[00:03:36] How does a biologist come to connect with this idea of natural burials?

[00:07:51] What legal structure have you used to set up this project? Why an association and not a cooperative or a foundation?

[00:09:31] We are looking at the only organization in Spain dedicated to promoting this alternative ecological vision of burial. Why aren’t there more?

[00:11:00] You mentioned members earlier—who are they, how many are there, and what are the advantages of joining this association?

[00:13:03] Are you in contact with other groups or associations outside of here?

[00:15:14] Let’s now get into the concept of burial. What forms of burial are common in Europe and the West? What is most typical?

[00:17:36] Why do you think we feel the need either to cremate or to bury, and aren’t considering third options? Where does this limitation come from?

[00:23:29] In Spain, what does the law say about burials?

[00:26:24] So legally there’s no way to carry out natural burials.

[00:31:26] So basically we are at the beginning of what could become possible if we manage to change the legislation.

[00:33:44] You mentioned earlier that concrete and wood are toxic. Ecologically speaking, is burial in a niche or in a coffin polluting?

[00:35:51] What makes a burial natural?

[00:40:34] What are the steps involved in composting a body? How is it done, what does it take, and what costs are involved in a natural burial?

[00:48:35] Can you tell us what a natural burial would be like?

[00:53:03] So I’m listening to you, and just to clarify—not every natural burial means composting.

[00:53:48] What exactly does composting involve?

[00:56:08] In fact, in the United States there are forests set up for this.

[00:56:12] And everyone is buried there in some way.

[00:57:29] Would we need to go through some kind of human quality certification before composting?

[01:04:18] Why does this happen? Do we need that step? Do we need to wash and clean the body?

[01:06:14] Or disinfect the room of the deceased, which in some cases I’ve seen being done.

[01:07:38] You have a book, Jordi, “Simplicity and Art in Dying” from 2021, where you point out the importance of planning funeral ceremonies. Can you explain this sense of urgency? Where does this rush to dispose of bodies come from?

[01:12:32] In the legal document, is the option of natural burial considered?

[01:17:38] And from everything you’ve told us, even if I stated all this in my living will and left it to my family, the law still limits many of the things I would want to do with my body at the end of life.

[01:17:58] To start wrapping up, Jordi, I’m thinking about the core goals of the association. They are summarized in five principles clearly explained on your website: (1) regulating and legalizing natural burials and body composting, (2) promoting and spreading awareness of the need for ecological and natural burials in the country, (3) promoting natural spaces and facilities in cemeteries for human composting and natural burial, and (4) normalizing this more natural and ecological way of burial. What cultural, legal, social, and bureaucratic obstacles do we as a society need to overcome to make these principles accessible to everyone?

[01:22:24] You have a website called funeralnatural.net, where you share films and readings. In some way, you are contributing to social education from this platform to support this paradigm shift. Can you tell us a bit about this website and how you maintain it?

[01:24:39] How do you see your involvement in educational settings, Jordi? Do you talk about all this at the university? Is there any course where biologists and future medical professionals learn about natural burial? Should this be taught in schools?

[01:28:48] What is your opinion on euthanasia?

[01:31:24] In any case, we are talking about a very personal decision that each person should make. But if we had different cultural conditions, we might make these decisions in a more informed and calm way.

[01:32:42] To finish, two questions I’m asking everyone in this constellation. The first is quite personal: what drives you every day to keep fighting for natural, affordable burial open to everyone, despite all the systemic obstacles? What keeps you going?

[01:33:59] Can you share any good news from the association with us?

[01:35:42] As a professional who supports others through their transitions, I want to thank you for the interview and for the work you do. I find it incredible.