Death and disposal: The universal, environmental dilemma

Abstract

Individuals around the world engage in one common yet fundamental activity that is of personal, emotional, social, and environmental significance –disposal of the dead. As the global landscape becomes increasingly populated, so disposal choice becomes a critical environmental issue. Disposal of the dead is an essential aspect of our existence; it is an inevitable activity, which cannot be avoided. This paper contributes to an emerging body of work written from a consumer culture theory and marketing perspective on disposal of the dead. The paper examines the convergence of the consumer decision with environmental factors from a multicultural viewpoint. We add to existing literature in this area through a perspective that highlights key environmental issues that cross cultural and spatial boundaries, namely land use, land space, and pollution implications. These in turn are seen within the context of cultural norms, individual memorialisation practice, and specific regulations pertaining to body disposal.

Keywords:

• consumer choice
• cross-cultural
• disposal
• environment
• funeral rites

Notes

¹This is reported already to be in use in some parts of Sweden (Dijkshoorn, 2008).