Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-113) and index.

Introduction -- Disposal of the dead across cultures / Ealing School Service -- The dead should be buried / Michael Cahill -- Burying the dead pollutes groundwater / Richard D. L. Fulton -- Burials can be environmentally friendly / Kirsten Scharnberg -- Cremation is a better option for the disposal of the dead / Stephen Szucs -- Cremation harms the environment / DeeDee Correll -- Modern crematories are environmentally friendly / Paul F. Rahill -- Contemporary funerals honor the dead / Robert Kastenbaum -- Contemporary funerals do not adequately honor the dead / John Fraser -- Contemporary funerals should include the body / Thomas Lynch -- Aerial ash scattering can be a dignified method of disposition / Tom Benenson -- Burial at sea is a respectful method of disposition / Meredith Fitzpatrick -- Excarnation is an important religious tradition / Rachel Laribee -- Excarnation is no longer a viable way to dispose of the dead / Braden Reddall -- Plastination is an appropriate way to dispose of the dead / Tony Walter -- Plastination is not respectful of the dead / Thomas Hibbs.