News & Events

We have added an article from FCA about third-party caskets: your rights and what funeral homes are allowed to do, and not allowed to do. We have also updated contact information (on our Burials page under the Options tab) for…

Our FCAWM board received the following notice from the national Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) about some changes in their organization. We are a separate nonprofit organization, affiliated with FCA. This message was sent to all their Affiliates. Dear Funeral Consumers…

Among proposed new bills filed in the current session of the Massachusetts legislature are several related to burial options, funeral assistance, and other matters of interest to our consumer advocacy group. We have now set up a committee, chaired by…

Today, January 17, 2023, is the final date for submission of comments to the FTC about the proposed updating of the Funeral Rule. As of 5:30pm today, the official government site reported a total of 546 comments. Our document from…

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…

Green 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…

South 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…

The 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,…

The 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…

Join 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…