[kobayashi]

I've yet to read a criticism of this being harmful to the environment, save the fact that it takes up land that could otherwise be used for agriculture/forestry.

Tangential: That's the commandment of Jewish burial law.

Bodies are to be buried in simple, plain linen or cotton hand-made shrouds. One reason is so that those who cannot afford fancy clothing aren't embarrassed that they don't have any.

Also, bodies are supposed to be buried without caskets, but in areas where local law mandates burial with a casket, that casket is to be simple and modest, rather than an ornate coffin.

I believe similar laws are applicable in Islam.

[hosay123]

This seems remarkably sensible, now I find myself itching to research the history of embalming