Meanwhile in the Funeral Industry...

[rstrong]

via BoingBoing...

An anonymous commenter who identifies her/himself as a funeral director has posted a magnificent rant to a Reddit thread, explaining all the ways that funeral directors con bereaved families into paying for things they don't need, like $5000 painted plywood boxes and "barbaric," environmentally degrading "mutilation" (embalming), which are often described as legal requirements (they aren't). The post is full of great intel and advice, including mention of the FTC funeral rule, which sets out your rights in clear, simple language. I didn't know that US law requires funeral directors to accept your own coffin, which you can get at your local big-box discount store or have delivered from a variety of sellers through Amazon.

reddit: What is a "dirty little (or big) secret" about an industry that you have worked in, that people outside the industry really ought to know?

[billy.pilgrim]

I signed a few papers to donate my leftovers to the U of S Ala med school. total cost runs about $200 - mostly for transportation. They will even send the ashes back to the family after they are finished - they estimate a year or two

but if you do choose the big whoop si do - leave out the big box store casket and show a little love to your local carpenters and cabinet makers.

[rstrong]

but if you do choose the big whoop si do - leave out the big box store casket and show a little love to your local carpenters and cabinet makers.

I doubt that the chances of your casket being made locally are any better for the funeral home than they are for the big box store. And since you're buying something that's by definition disposable, the big box store seems appropriate.

"I don't want anybody to make a fuss. When I go, I just want to be stood outside in the garbage with my hat on."
- Lou Grant

[Mr.B]

[Mr.B]

".....but if you do choose the big whoop si do - leave out the big box store casket and show a little love to your local carpenters and cabinet makers."

I think I'll stick with the blast furnace.....