Your respect for nature and the environment doesn’t have to die with you. Discover the components of a green burial, natural cemeteries, and why they matter. Learn about holistic dying and the new burial movement. Minnesota families now have more choices—you need to be aware of them! Human composting? Explore alternatives to the commercial funeral and learn how to care for loved ones with an open heart and minimal environmental impact. Sponsored by EarthFest and Destination Medical Center.

We only have one chance to experience a good death. Yet today, end-of-life is often overmedicalized, as noted in The Lancet’s 2022 report The Value of Death. This program draws on both modern research and the ancient text The Lost Art of Dying to reframe how we think about death and dying. Participants will learn about death literacy—understanding the natural processes of dying, exploring options for end-of-life care, and addressing the emotional and spiritual aspects of loss. Together, we will increase awareness of end-of-life choices, foster open and supportive conversations, and revive forgotten wisdom about how to face death with clarity and compassion. Join us to deepen understanding, ease fears about mortality, and explore the possibilities for transformation at life’s end.

Caring for Our Own explores the revival of lost wisdom around death and dying. Once a deeply personal, family-centered practice, deathcare has shifted away from the home—this class invites it back. We’ll discuss family rights, the fundamentals of home funerals, and practical ways to navigate fear and anxiety around end-of-life. Rather than avoiding death, we’ll consider how embracing it can restore a sense of beauty, meaning, and sacredness. We’ll also explore current trends that support more personal and empowering end-of-life experiences.