Dying is not an easy concept to stomach. In fact in many cultures, it is the norm to avoid talking about death altogether. However, in doing so, one may miss out on the important conversation of deathcare (The steps that are taken to care for the body post-death). Whether one would prefer to go with cremation, or burial, or anything else is an extremely personal decision. Therefore, it is important that these discussions do occur at sometime. When discussing these options, it is also important to understand the ecological dimension when caring for the body. Burial is a very expensive and ecologically damaging pathway to take. It involves burying the deceased in an impermeable casket which is waterproof and prevents the natural breakdown of the body through the use of embalming fluid containing formaldehyde and carcinogens. Cremation on the other hand, is less expensive but it involves the release of smoke which can pollute the environment surrounding the cremation site. There is another option. One that is not discussed much about. Aquamation. What is it? Aquamation is a flameless cremation which does not release any harmful greenhouse gases into the environment and offers a more sustainable option for deathcare. Aquamation is similar to how a body would return to nature but it offers the families the loved one's ashes at the end. Currently aquamation is not made to be legal in many places for humans but is becoming popular for pets. Therefore, with the benefits and the sustainable route that aquamation takes, it will beneficial to all life for humans to consider this route for once they pass away.
My vision for the future is first making conversations surrounding death more acceptable. We need to be able to discuss the options in order to truly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each route. Secondly, seeing the ecological harm that cremation and burial bring, I hope to see aquamation becoming more widely legalized and discussed as a viable option for humans. Again, this isn't easy but I think this is an important topic and something we all should consider.
Great post Arshi! i love the infographic you included!
I completely agree! Conversations surrounding death should be more acceptable so people can be made aware of and also consider sustainable death care methods as options.
Great post! I agree that conversations about death and burial should become more accepted and that people should be able to personally decide on the deathcare they wish to receive, while keeping environmental impacts in mind.