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Funeral Consumers Alliance

"Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting a consumer's right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral. To accomplish that goal, FCA: 1. Offers pamphlets and newsletters on funeral choices to increase public awareness of funeral options, including how to care for your own dead without using a funeral home, 2. Serves as a credible source of information for media covering death and dying, 3. Refers people to local funeral planning societies and regulatory agencies, 4. helps 100 funeral planning societies stay in touch with each other and exchange ideas..." www.funerals.org

Federal Trade Commission

"Most funeral providers are professionals who strive to serve their clients' needs and best interests. But some aren't. They may take advantage of their clients through inflated prices, overcharges, double charges or unnecessary services. Fortunately, there's a federal law that makes it easier for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements pre-need or at need.

The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral directors to give you itemized prices in person and, if you ask, over the phone. The Rule also requires funeral directors to give you other information about their goods and services. For example, if you ask about funeral arrangements in person, the funeral home must give you a written price list to keep that shows the goods and services the home offers. If you want to buy a casket or outer burial container, the funeral provider must show you descriptions of the available selections and the prices before actually showing you the caskets. Many funeral providers offer various "packages" of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want." www.ftc.gov

Final Footprint

"Final Footprint is dedicated to supplying the finest environmentally-friendly caskets and urns available. We are also committed to providing education about natural burial as well as support and resources for those families who choose home funerals." www.finalfootprint.com

The Natural Burial Company

"The Natural Burial Company distributes biodegradable coffins, urns and natural funeral goods throughout the US and into Canada (click here for the Good Funeral Store's retail site) . Our crafters come from around the world, where the techniques of handwoven coffins and natural burial have not yet been lost. Your requests for and purchase of these products helps keep these handarts arts alive, and challenges funeral professionals to shift to more sustainable funeral and cemetery practices - before you need them!" www.naturalburialcompany.com