I've read both versions of "The American Way of Death" - the one from the early 1960s, which revolutionized the industry, and the one from the late 1990s, published shortly before her own death. Some of the figures from the 1960s book blew my mind; they're more than many people spend now, in 1960s dollars!
There's a beautiful essay called "Light, Like The Sun", about cremation, that first appeared in the Reader's Digest in the late 1930s. Okay, the method used isn't light, technically, but it's still a good read. The original essay, in longer form, was in a magazine called "The Forum" and is a bit harder to find online.
I actually like this option.
Eternal Reefs combines a cremation urn, ash scattering, & green burial at sea into an environmental memorial while creating new marine habitats for sea life
www.eternalreefs.com
Some places are now allowing "green" burials, which can mean whatever you want it to. A popular option is burial in a large woven basket, and other people have opted for various kinds of shrouds, often a family heirloom quilt that is tattered but was still cherished by the decedent.
I first heard about the "willow casket" when I read this wonderful book, and two of my favorite youtubers, Phyllis and Ernest Stokes, died within the past couple of years and opted that this be done with their bodies. As you can see, Phyllis' channel has been taken over by her son, and monetization is donated to a favorite charity.
When Breath Becomes Air [Kalanithi, Paul, Verghese, Abraham] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. When Breath Becomes Air
www.amazon.com