New York has approved natural organic reduction (N.O.R.), also known as human composting. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation legalizing this option, making New York the sixth state in the nation to allow this method of burial. Washington State approved…
Continue readingGreen Burial Massachusetts (GBM) welcomes a new president, Elizabeth Cardaropoli, and thanks outgoing president Judith Lorei, who has led GBM since its official incorporation in 2016. GBM evolved from a committee within our organization (FCAWM) with participants also from the…
Continue readingSouth Burlington, VT—The nation’s consumer watchdog protecting grieving families has asked the Federal Trade Commission to beef up protections for those arranging funerals. Funeral Consumers Alliance has responded to the FTC’s request for comments on the “Funeral Rule” to request…
Continue readingThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been paying attention to comments from consumers, and is taking steps to strengthen the Funeral Rule. We are delighted that FTC now proposes requiring ONLINE posting of itemized prices. This is a major victory….
Continue readingThe FTC has opened an online portal where you can view the 40 questions they’re asking about revision of the Funeral Rule, and also upload your own comments to the public record: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/02/2022-23832/funeral-industry-practices-rule We have 60 days to respond. Thus,…
Continue readingThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on October 20, 2022, that it will be proposing changes to the consumer protection regulations known as the Funeral Rule. The most important of these potential changes is likely to be a new mandate…
Continue readingJoin us on Sunday, October 16, 2022, 2-4 pm, for a program titled “Death Care with Love, Vision, and Surprises.” Open to all. Free! Come in person (masks optional): The Meadows Lodge, 43 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, MA. Refreshments! Or…
Continue readingOur Fall newsletter is ready! You can read it here on this website. Print copies are being sent via bulk mail to our members who are print subscribers, and to organizations on our “courtesy” list. Email notices via Mailchimp have…
Continue readingWe offer speakers for groups and are pleased to share information with community members. Upcoming talks include Sept. 21 at the South Hadley Public Library (see below), Sept. 29 at the Longmeadow Library, and October 18 with the Chester Council…
Continue readingWe are pleased to announce results of our 2022 project to collect and compare prices for funeral home services in Western Massachusetts. We obtained prices from 81% of the funeral home locations, a high response rate. Results are published today…
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