CANTON – The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton will host a Green Burial Workshop, Thursday, May 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

Barry Walsh, recently retired professor Funeral Service Administration at SUNY Canton, will present a consumer-centered presentation on green burials followed by a question-and-answer period.

For many people that opt for a green burial, it can come down to cost, environmental impact, and legacy. Individuals planning their options are considering how to minimize negative environmental effects, conserve natural resources, limit carbon emissions, mitigate health risks, protect natural habitat, and preserve the environment. Choices can be made at each step of the death care process to limit waste, reduce the carbon footprint, and nourish the local ecosystem, said a press release from the church.

“We are returning to the earth. We decompose back into fundamental elements that can nourish a nearby tree. We’re incarnating the interdependent cycle of life," said the Rev. James Galasinski, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Walsh practiced in Conway New Hampshire prior to relocating to Canton. He worked as a professor of funeral service administration at SUNY Canton for 32 years until his recent retirement. He has lectured throughout New York to groups of funeral directors, hospice volunteers, funeral service students, and fellow educators.

“End of life rituals reflect the needs and values of contemporary society. Climate change and concerns about pollution have led to the realization that we need to do better. Natural or "green" burial is an effective way to address these problems,” Walsh said.

In his academic role, Walsh visited funeral homes across the northeast to mentor students engaged in practicum training.

“I believe that choices made by grieving people are special and unique and usually the right ones for their situation, but awareness of the possibilities that exist to customize one’s funeral are not always known,” said Walsh. He added, “I believe that knowledge is the key to creating valuable memorial activities, and I enjoy bringing that awareness to all who are interested.”

Requests for green burials are increasing. Last week, in the April 19 edition of North Country Now, it was announced that Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam has been approved by the state to offer “natural burials” in certain sections of the cemetery. Bayside has set aside two areas for natural burial, a riverside section, and a wooded section. Both sections are near roads to make winter burials possible, and each area has approximately 20 spots.

According to John Omohundro, member of Potsdam’s Bayside Cemetery Association and former president and treasurer of the Bayside Cemetery Board, materials involved in Bayside burials will be compostable and will not contain metal, chemicals, or a vault. Presently in Northern New York, natural burials are offered by Bayside Cemetery, Keene Cemetery, and Spirit Sanctuary.

The green burial workshop will be held in the church’s Romer Room, 3 1/2 E. Main St., Canton. There is additional parking located near the back of the building.