Post Life Legacy for Sustainability

Zoom meeting details:

Meeting ID: 848 6806 6483

Passcode: 517485

https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/84868066483

Abstract

Post life legacy for sustainability is a concept that refers to the alternative disposal methods of human bodies after death, such as natural burials or organ donation programs. These practices not only decrease the carbon footprint and chemicals or toxic substances buried in the Earth (versus traditional burial or cremation methods), but also generate new health benefits to society by increasing the number of organ donations available. This research identifies the main barriers that prevent the University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) community from supporting organ donation and green burials. A survey was conducted with 365 individuals among the UTM community, which showed that gender, age, religion, university status (student, staff, faculty member), academic background, and knowledge about green burial organizations were the most significant factors that determined whether an individual would choose a green burial. Interestingly, these same factors for green burials were also the most significant for organ donation, but with the addition of ethnicity. The biggest barrier that prevented survey participants from choosing a green burial or organ donation was lack of knowledge. This finding offers hope that with greater education and awareness, people to shift their perspectives towards a more sustainable option.