Woodland burial in biodegadable containers or wraps is quite popular in the UK. You don't get buried in a wood - you get buried in a shallow grave in a special place and a tree is planted over you so that you sustain it. You can later have the tree labelled with your details if you want so your descendants can come and visit and find the right tree. I like the idea very much.

My dream burial (can there be such a thing?) is to be buried in a vertical fetal position with a tree planted on my head.

What a great idea. Thanks for posting. I wasn't aware this was even an option.

Why would the family have to get the soil? Perhaps others could have it if the family is not in a position to do anything useful with it, e.g. they live in an apartment?

I like the concept. One way or another, the body will decompose anyway...eventually. May as well make it as useful as possible. There already are green burials, which I am considering for myself, though I probably will go with cremation as it is easier to deal with the the ashes.

How about That!?! Every good non-religious gardener ought to be intrigued. ?