Is it really necessary to preserve our remains in concrete boxes?
Starting from the premise that we are energy and part of a whole, we can consider that we are just a few of the actors contributing to constructing reality. This reality urges us to address challenges through the collaboration of various actors, both human and non-human. Without prioritizing human privilege, we can give voice to objects, as Bruno Latour mentions in "The Parliament of Things." Technologies, institutions, nature and others participate in this interaction. Understanding this interplay between humans and non-humans, the decision-making process can be broader and more reflective.
We must question whether our customs remain in harmony with the rest of the non-human actors. In the context of this project, is it really necessary to preserve our remains in concrete boxes? This doesn't sound natural to us nor beneficial to the complete “actors red”. Instead, we could continue our energy cycle and become a source of fuel for more life, the creation of new forests, and spaces where we can remember our loved ones. This transformation not only serves those who cherish our memory but also yields benefits for other actors, as referred to by Latour. This encompasses living microorganisms underground, new habitats for various animal species, improved air quality for all living beings, reduced dependence on fuels for the institution managing the cemetery, among other advantages.
