Death care is part of creation care

I see dead people – a lot.

As a classically trained anatomist with a passion for cadaveric dissection, my context for that famous line from the 1999 film The Sixth Sense is far more literal. I have spent the last 15 years of my career regularly working with deceased bodies (specifically, cadavers) to teach aspiring health professionals the beautiful intricacy of the human body. Cadaveric dissection is a long-standing, core component of medical education. A natural side effect of my profession is the multitude of questions I receive regarding options available following death, including donating one’s body to science. Through these conversations, three things have become clear to me: First, that people are curious about deceased bodies and human anatomy, and most welcome the opportunity to ask questions without fear of being branded as “weird” or “dark” for discussing those things. It’s almost as if the knowledge of my work frees them of today’s cultural mindset that might otherwise deem such topics as “inappropriate” or “unpleasant.”

Second, most people have given little thought to their wishes for their body following death. Perhaps this is a consequence of the mindset that seems to permeate modern society, preventing topics of deathcare, funerals and final body disposition from feeling appropriate, let alone necessary. Many of us live with a presumed sense of longevity and naively leave conversations about our death for some unspecified future date when it will be “more relevant.”

And lastly, that the majority of us are unaware of our options. Final body disposition (what happens to one’s physical body after death) has, for many, been reduced to an “either – or” decision: EITHER traditional burial (embalming the body, placing body in a casket, and cemetery burial within a grave liner/vault), OR cremation (burning the body, reducing it to “ash” and either burying the ashes or scattering them). This false dichotomy has created a “default response” to what we choose for ourselves, or, in the absence of any articulated plans, what we choose for our loved ones. Grief-stricken and unprepared, it’s no surprise many find themselves defaulting between “this” or “that” because it’s familiar, and most likely, the only two avenues being presented.

The ‘green’ option

The problem is that our current death practices are unsustainable. Traditional burial, by far, consumes the most resources, including land usage (cemeteries), hardwood (caskets), and concrete (burial vaults), as well as introduces high volumes of carcinogenic embalming fluid into the soil. Cremation, originally viewed as the “greener” and more affordable form of body disposition, emits harmful gases and carries a massive carbon footprint, owing to the volume of fossil fuels necessary to power the crematorium. In its 2024 report, the National Funeral Director Association (NFDA) projects that cremation rates in Canada will reach 91 percent by 2045, with traditional burial rates at nine percent. Despite cremation’s growing acceptance, the NFDA’s 2024 report also stated 68 percent of respondents were interested in “green” funeral options due to their environmental benefits, cost savings and alignment with personal values. Unfortunately, “green” options are not widely available.

The funeral business is not exempt from the economic principle of supply and demand. We are all future consumers in this multi-billion-dollar industry with the ability to vocalize what we want before our death. If only we knew of the alternatives and felt motivated to challenge the status quo with a replacement that aligned with our core values.

The concept of funerary reform is nothing new. Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book, The American Way of Death, startled a nation as she unveiled exploitative practices within the funeral industry during that time, leading to significant regulatory reforms within it. Mitford’s advocacy for consumer rights and transparency within the funeral industry remains influential.

Conversations surrounding natural burials (no embalming, no vault, buried in a natural fiber shroud/plain pine box), aquamation (water cremation), and natural organic reduction (“human composting”) have been happening for decades as technology and legislation usher in forms of final body disposition that have lower environmental impact and reflect the values of the deceased. While some of these alternatives may sound bizarre at face value, they are rooted in the shared goal of returning our bodies to the earth with less resource consumption and reduced ecological harm. The idea of returning my body to the ground from whence it came resonates deeply with my soul.

Genesis 3:19 reads, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food​ until you return to the ground,​ since from it you were taken;​ for dust you are​ and to dust you will return.”

The sentiments expressed in this passage are commonly conveyed during funerals upon interment of a body into the ground. Oftentimes, a handful of soil or two may be gently tossed atop the casket as some variation of “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” is spoken. I cannot help but wonder if such practices are misaligned to the cyclic nature of creation.

A better way

As Christians, we are called to be stewards of the earth – to respect and care for creation (Gen. 2:15). This calling is not affiliated with political parties or cultural norms; rather, it is a responsibility entrusted to all image bearers by our Creator. How we bury our dead should be no exception.

The promise of salvation and everlasting life is a foundational tenet of Christianity and a gift from our gracious God. Christians should not fear death, nor turn away from conversations about it, no matter the cultural norms surrounding these topics. I believe Christians are uniquely poised to be a powerful voice to incite real change so our funeral practices might reflect our values and glorify God.

As for where to begin – do your research on the sustainability of our current practices and thoughtfully consider if there’s a better way. Talk with a loved one right away about your wishes following death, and better yet, put it in writing. Remember, not all of us see dead people, but all of us will be dead people – someday.