The current state of death care, or the management of our bodies after death, in the North American context is overwhelmingly dominated by options with negative environmental impacts.

Whether it be embalming, traditional burials in concrete vaults, or cremation, these processes are often very emissions-intensive due to their use of non-biodegradable materials and high energy consumption.

What if there was an alternative?

Green or environmentally friendly death care practices minimize environmental harm while supporting conservation and ecological sustainability efforts. They serve as an opportunity to, even in death, continue to benefit others and the planet for generations to come - to let death beget life.

However, it is important to recognize that green death care is not the right choice for everyone. For personal, cultural, or accessibility reasons, traditional death care options may be more suitable for you. If that is the case, we still encourage you to learn and reflect on your death care intentions.