Environmental and Health Concerns of Modern U.S. Burial Practices
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana
As I continue to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary burial practices, it’s crucial to remember that our present societal choices are deeply rooted in historical precedents. Yet, the environmental and health concerns that arise from modern U.S. burial methods are often overlooked, despite mounting evidence that suggests the need for critical reflection. Just as Santayana warned, neglecting to learn from our past may lead us to repeat its mistakes, especially when it comes to the aftercare of our loved ones.
Contemporary U.S. burial practices, though steeped in cultural and religious traditions, carry a significant environmental burden. Traditional in-ground burials often involve embalming, the use of non-biodegradable caskets, and the allocation of vast tracts of land for cemeteries, all of which raise serious environmental concerns. Embalming fluid, which commonly contains formaldehyde, presents a particularly troubling issue. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and its seepage into the soil from buried bodies can contaminate groundwater, posing long-term public health risks (Carter, 2018).
Moreover, the sheer scale of land use dedicated to cemeteries has far-reaching ecological implications. While there are conflicting numbers articulating how much US land is dedicated for burial sites, it’s estimated that more than one million acres of land in the United States are devoted to cemetery space, a figure that continues to grow as urban populations expand (Francis et al., 2005). This extensive use of land not only displaces potential agricultural, conservation, or residential areas but also contributes to urban sprawl and the destruction of natural habitats. The environmental degradation associated with such large-scale land use is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore (Mitford, 2012).
Beyond land use and chemical pollution, the materials used in modern burial practices also contribute to environmental harm. Caskets are frequently constructed from hardwoods, steel, and other non-biodegradable materials that take decades, if not centuries, to decompose. The manufacturing of these caskets, along with the mining and transportation of raw materials, contributes to deforestation, air pollution, and carbon emissions. Concrete vaults, often required by cemeteries to prevent ground settling, add yet another layer of environmental impact (Sloane, 1991).
Given these concerns, the urgency to rethink burial practices is becoming increasingly apparent. While alternative methods such as green burials offer some respite, the challenge remains in shifting public perception and cultural norms that are deeply rooted in tradition. The environmental and health risks associated with contemporary burial practices cannot be ignored, and addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both individuals and institutions.
As we continue to explore aftercare options, it is essential to widen the spectrum of acceptable opinions and consider the long-term implications of our choices. The future of burial in the United States may well depend on our ability to balance tradition with sustainability, ensuring that our final resting places do not become a lasting burden on the planet.
References
Carter, H. (2018). The environmental impact of embalming: A review of chemical risks. Journal of Environmental Health, 80(5), 16-22.
Francis, D., Kellaher, L., & Neophytou, G. (2005). The secret cemetery. Berg.
Mitford, J. (2012). The American way of death revisited. Vintage Books.
Sloane, D. C. (1991). The last great necessity: Cemeteries in American history. Johns Hopkins University Press.
