Exploring Green Burials in Oregon with OLLI

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Discover eco-conscious alternatives to traditional funeral practices.

As we recognize the environmental consequences of the typical contemporary Western style burial, many are searching for ways that their own death could contribute to the natural environment. Join Alice Elshoff for an enlightening session on green burials in Oregon. Discover eco-conscious alternatives to traditional funeral practices, prioritizing sustainability with biodegradable materials and natural decomposition processes. Green burials reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to ecosystem regeneration by favoring natural decomposition over embalming fluids, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. Learn how to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment through an eco-friendly approach to the end-of-life journey, including natural burials, aquamation, terramation and body donation, all becoming increasingly available here in Oregon.

Alice Elshoff is a longtime Oregon resident, teacher, storyteller, author, and environmental activist, graduating from the University of Oregon with an M.S. in education. She taught for many years, including in a two-room school in rural Alfalfa and also teaching English as a foreign language in Australia to new migrants. She and her husband, Cal Elshoff, lived near the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and she remains on the Board of Friends of Malheur.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) in Central Oregon invites community members to participate in our Friday Talks in partnership with the Deschutes Public Library. OLLI-UO is an intellectual and social community of engaged adult learners, connecting members to university faculty and professionals in respective fields. A six-month or yearlong membership allows participation in a variety of lectures, courses, peer-led study and discussion groups, educational tours, field trips, and social events.

Questions? Contact lizg@deschuteslibrary.org