This week as we discussed death rights and burial procedures, I reflected on my own squeamishness around death. I've been blessed to not lose anybody close to me throughout my life, and the last time I think I truly reflected on the mortality of myself and those around me resulted in me having a mental breakdown at age seven. As I learned, this attitude is reflected widely throughout western nations. Death is the inevitable conclusion of life, but the shroud of death as a taboo topic hangs in the air.
Over 50% of Americans are buried using conventional burying methods, where they are pumped full of embalming fluid, put in a casket, and buried in a concrete burial liner to prevent decomposition of the body. This leads to millions of tons of concret and millions of gallons of embalming fluid being buried each year, which contribute to climate change. Embalming fluid is a carcinogen, which when leaked into the soil can harm plant life. In addition, while it does prevent aerobic respiration of decomposing bacteria, over a course of months after burial anaerobic bacteria will decompose the body, leading to a buildup of methane, a strong greenhouse gas. Cremation isn't much better, using 28 gallons of fuel to burn a body, producing 540 pounds of carbon dioxide per body.
I envision a future where people more freely talk about death, and where they can communicate with their families how they would like their death rites to be conducted. The choice is of course yours, but if we can talk more freely about death, then we may feel more comfortable exploring other burial options like natural burial which don't harm the environment. Death is a part of life, and we all return to the soil someday. Maybe it's time we do it on our own terms without harming the Earth we share. #Unleashvalues.
We definitely need to start discussing topics like these more! I think if more people knew how damaging their burial could be, they'd specify that their burial method should be more natural.
I agree that we should talk more freely about death itself! After all, it's not like if we choose to ignore and forget about death, death would also ignore and forget about us. So if the society can be more open towards discussing this topic, then perhaps better burial practices can be more widely adopted.
Hi Adam,
Death is definitely a hard topic to discuss about. I also hope to see a future where people are more comfortable talking about death and death care options.
Hi Adam,
I really appreciate your post. I agree that death can be really uncomfortable to think and talk about, but these conversations are key for the popularization of greener death care. I also hope to see a future where people talk more freely about their death care preferences and where green options are offered much more commonly.
Hi Adam, thank you for sharing your personal and vulnerable experience and reflections about death from such a young age. I was also always scared about my loved ones passing and it hit me really hard with my grandmother and my first dog passed away. I had never experienced the death of anyone close to me either until they passed away. I totally agree with your point that we all return to the earth and should consider living and dying in a more ecologically savvy way. Personally, I am a registered organ donor and have signed up to donate my body to science/medicine when I pass, my mother is a strong advocate for cremation so, although i want to respect her wishes, I will try having this conversation with my mom about having a more ecologically-conscious death. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Adam Gierej, I couldn't agree more with you! Vulnerability is a key factor in being able to talk about hard topics like post-death care that will allow us to truly live by our personal values in harmony with the Earth. Great post!