As we begin to contemplate death and to embark on practical planning for
life's end, many of us long to leave a legacy beyond a transfer of money
and property--one that ensures a sustainable earth for our loved ones,
our communities, and generations to come. But where do we even begin?
With the sudden deaths of both of her parents, Mallory McDuff found
herself in a similar position. Utterly unprepared both emotionally and
practically, she began to research sustainable practices around death
and dying, determined to honor their commitment to caring for the earth.
For McDuff, an educator and environmentalist, what started as a highly
personal endeavor expanded into a yearlong exploration and assessment of
green burials, aquamation, green cemeteries, home funerals, and human
composting.
In Our Last Best Act, McDuff bridges the gap between environmental
action and religious faith by demonstrating that when the two are
combined, they become a powerful force for the greater good. Full of
practical information and support, this book equips readers to make
decisions for their own end-of-life planning. In a world experiencing a
climate crisis and a culture that avoids discussions about death and
dying, this book opens the conversation about the choices we make--and
how it's possible for our death to honor our values, create a
sustainable legacy, and help to heal the earth.
