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MEMENTO MORI: Carbon Emissions of Different Types of Human Burial & the Land Use Futures of Cemeteries in the United States
Abstract
As the saying goes, there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. Taxes aside,death is something that every person with a body will at some point or another come into contact with and/or experience for themselves. The purpose of this study is to analyze the carbon footprints of different types of burial, including but not limited to, traditional burial, natural organic reduction, and alkaline hydrolysis. Gaining a better understanding of the carbonic impacts of our chosen methods of burial can enable individuals to make informed decisions asthey plan their or one of their loved ones’ burial. In tandem with methods of burial, it is also essential to examine the function of cemeteries within our society. This study analyzes historicaluses of cemeteries and the laws that influenced their formations, as well as looking into evolving present-day uses of cemeteries. It includes an examination of the Green Burial Council’sdifferent Green Cemetery Certifications, and an assessment of how those cemeteries function within their communities. Finally, this study presents recommendations regarding the most environmentally-friendly methods of disposition and types of cemeteries to be buried within. This analysis and assessment will be used to inform those who are environmentally conscious to make the best decisions possible for them for their own burial arrangements. It will also ideallycontribute to a broader conversation about scientific topics that may not necessarily be publicly discussed, due to personal discomforts or societal taboos.
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