As stated in USA Today, “Hart Island could become the nation's largest ‘green cemetery,’ where bodies are not embalmed and are buried in plain pine boxes” (Kramer).The pine boxes or coffins used in the current burial processes on Hart Island are more “green” than other types available, especially those in lacquer or other chemicals. But, using bamboo or reclaimed wood for the boxes may be a small change that could be more eco-friendly, considering less pine trees be cut down. There are also debates about whether cremation would be better for the environment than burials. However, there are definitely concerns, both environmental and psychological, with cremation. One new type of “green” cremation known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, and involves dissolving bodies into a sewer-safe liquid (Palus). Despite claims to be eco-friendly, “[the] alkaline hydrolysis system manufacturer [uses] about 300 gallons per human body” (Palus). In addition, “when a corpse is cremated and the ashes scattered, no physical focus of the deceased remains to be visited by those who love them….The physical focus/impact of cremation remains is much less than the traditional grave/headstone” (Reville). Visiting a grave, seeing a name or a headstone, even if it is shared differs greatly than visiting a wall of remembrance or scattered ashes. 

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An economical approach is not purely about finances, rather space and other scarce resources have to be factored in. Regardless of its issues, cremation would take up a lot less space than burial, which is becoming a pressing issue now that there is dwindling burial space for the years to come. If older graves can be reused after a certain time, then that could help save space. Also, by using the space and the rich soil to plant, the idea that is proposed by the Hart island project, seems like a great idea. Creating a biodiverse landscape would give life to the island and help prevent soil erosion or erosion along the coastline. Their ideas about “Coppice Planting” (Sharrock) of birch and other trees would benefit the island greatly. It would make the best use of the recycled nutrients in the soil from those buried on the Island and the roots from the trees would hold the soil in place to prevent erosion from storms and other weathering.  This proposal is a great way to make this burial ground even more green.