"Grave Doubts" The Ambivalence toward Green Burials in the US

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Author
Barlow, Beth Ann
Keyword
First Reader Mara T. Horowitz
Capstone Paper
Semester Spring 2024
Readers/Advisors
Horowitz, Mara T.
Term and Year
Spring 2024
Date Published
2024

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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12648/15203
Abstract
American statesman Benjamin Franklin said it best; "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Death is inevitable and throughout time the rituals associated with disposing of the dead have been a regular part of human culture and society. For centuries communities have developed different methods to part with their loved ones. Today, ceremony and ritual still surround the death disposal process in the United States. In fact, cremation makes up 60.5% of final disposition methods, followed by traditional burials (embalming) at 34.5% and untraditional methods, including natural/green burials at 5% (National Funeral Directors Association). Research has shown that natural/green burials are the best choice in body disposal. The characteristics of a green burial include, no embalming of the bodies, biodegradable caskets, no cement vaults/liners during burial and direct placement of the body into the ground. These methods leave no negative footprint on the environment in comparison to the traditional methods of burial. However, green burials still make up a very small percentage of disposals in the United States. In a world that needs to focus its resources on the protection of future mother earth, it is important that we find out why people are not embracing these methods. This paper will explore these reasons and formulate what can be done to encourage them to embrace the process. Through scholarly peer reviewed research, a local community survey and journalistic interviews of funeral home personnel, the "grave doubts" that people currently have will try and be resolved.
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