Growing up Catholic, you hear a lot about death. It’s not exactly Sunday fun-day material, but it sticks with you. Every Ash Wednesday, the priest would smudge ashes on my forehead and solemnly say, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” I didn’t know what to make of it as a kid—it sounded poetic and slightly terrifying—but the message was clear: these bodies of ours are temporary.
That wasn’t the only reminder. I came from a large family — one grandmother was one of twelve, one grandfather, one of ten. It felt like someone died every year when I was little, and attending wakes and funerals became a family tradition. The wakes often stretched over several days, with long lines of cousins, casseroles, and quiet prayers. For a child, it was both confusing and oddly formative. I learned early that nobody gets out of here alive.
Now in my 70s, death has become less abstract. It’s no longer something that happens to great-aunts I barely knew. It’s personal—and it’s practical. I’ve started thinking seriously about what I want when the time comes. Turns out, “human composting” is a real thing now, and oddly enough, it doesn’t sound so crazy. Honestly, it makes more sense than I would’ve ever guessed twenty years ago.
So, I asked myself: What instructions do I want to leave my kids? Right now, I’m leaning toward cremation and a joyful “celebration of life” gathering. Traditional funerals—with embalming, metal caskets, and plots that cost as much as a small used car—just feel wasteful. But I do believe in honoring a life, especially one that’s meant something to people. I hope my kids and grandkids take time to celebrate—not because I want fanfare, but because closure matters.
The Death-Care Landscape Today
Like everything else, the death-care industry is evolving, shaped by cultural shifts, rising costs, and a growing awareness of our environmental footprint. Here are a few 2024 stats worth noting:
- Traditional Burial
📉 33% of Americans still choose this route, but it’s projected to drop to 13% by 2045.
💰 Costs range from $8,300–$10,000. - Cremation
🔥 Currently 62% choose cremation, expected to climb to 82% by 2045.
💸 Direct cremation (no service): $1,000–$2,000; with funeral/viewing: around $6,300. - Green Burial
🌿 Exact stats are murky, but 68% of Americans express interest in it.
🌱 Generally more affordable—no embalming, no vault, no fancy casket.
Trends Shaping the Way We Say Goodbye
🌍 Environmental Concerns —Eco-friendly options are on the rise—think biodegradable shrouds, natural burial grounds, and even human composting (called natural organic reduction). We’re returning to the earth—literally.
✨ Personalization—Funerals aren’t “one-size-fits-all” anymore. People are writing their own obituaries, crafting playlists, and even leaving video messages. It’s about reflecting the life that was lived.
💸 Economic Reality—Let’s face it—funerals are expensive. Direct cremation and green burials often appeal to people not just environmentally, but financially.
📱 Technology Integration—Livestreamed funerals? You bet. COVID accelerated this trend, and it’s here to stay. Some funeral homes even offer online memorials and digital guestbooks.
Thinking Green (and Not Just for St. Patrick’s Day)
These days, I’m seriously considering a green burial. It just feels more responsible and more aligned with the “dust to dust” idea that’s been echoing since grade school. It’s simple, natural, and easy on the earth. And that appeals to me.
Some people I know want no service at all—just a quiet exit, no fuss. That’s their choice, of course. But to me, it’s worth taking the time to reflect, honor, and remember. A life is worth celebrating, and you should decide how yours is marked—not leave it up to stressed-out family members with grief fog and group texts.
Explore Green Options in Maine
If you’re curious about green burials, here are three thoughtful, environmentally conscious options right here in Maine:
- Cedar Brook Burial Ground – Limington, ME
mainegreencemetery.com - Baldwin Hill Conservation Cemetery – Fayette, ME
baldwinhillcemetery.org - Burr Cemetery (Green Burial Section) – Freeport, ME
burr-cemetery.com
Final Thoughts
So… have you thought it through? It’s not morbid. It’s actually one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave your loved ones. Your body, your choice—even after you’re done using it.
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