Colorado Firm Offers Eco-Friendly Burial Thru Biodegradable Caskets

July 3, 2009 6:56 p.m. EST

Denver, CO (AHN) - A Colorado company is selling caskets made from banana sheaves, bamboo or pandanus that decomposes together with the body as a way of promoting ecologically-friendly burials.

The so-called Ecoffin, short for eco-friendly coffins, of Ecoffins USA takes six months to two years to biodegrade. The company's marketing director, Joanna Passarelli, said the Ecoffins is better for the environment than cremating bodies, according to Foxnews.com.

Ecoffins USA sold $40,000 worth of such caskets last year. The lowest price for an Ecoffin is $800.

In an interview with Denverpost.com last year, Passarelli said Ecoffins got more response from New Mexico, where people are used to green ceremonies. Jewish and Muslim communities are also interested in the product.