The Order of the Good Death: A Guide to the Death Positive Movement

For decades, the topic of mortality in Western culture has been shrouded in a "culture of silence." We hide the dying in hospitals and the dead in sanitized funeral parlors, rarely engaging with the reality of our own end until a crisis occurs. However, the Order of the Good Death is fundamentally changing this narrative. Founded in 2011 by mortician and author Caitlin Doughty, this non-profit organization serves as the global hub for the "death positive" movement. By advocating for funeral industry reform, eco-friendly burial options, and comprehensive death education, the Order is helping individuals reclaim their right to a meaningful, transparent, and sustainable end-of-life experience.

What is the Order of the Good Death?

The Order of the Good Death was established to break the grip of the $20 billion "funeral industrial complex." Caitlin Doughty, through her books and popular YouTube series, highlighted how the modern funeral industry often prioritizes high-cost, invasive procedures over the wishes of the deceased and the health of the planet.

The organization is not just about "liking" death; it is about "death literacy." This involves understanding the biological, legal, and financial realities of dying. By fostering an open dialogue, the Order seeks to ensure that when the time comes, death is handled with dignity and in accordance with the person’s values. This cultural shift is essential for realizing the mortality awareness benefits that lead to a more intentional way of living.

The Environmental Toll of Traditional Burials

One of the primary missions of the Order of the Good Death is highlighting the environmental impact of traditional American funerals. Each year, the United States puts a staggering amount of resources into the earth to preserve and house the dead.

Traditional burials often involve formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which eventually leaches into the soil. The Order advocates for "green" or natural burials, which allow the body to return to the earth without toxic chemicals or non-biodegradable vaults.

The Rise of Green Burial and Aquamation

As of 2025, the green burial sector has grown into a $2 billion industry. Consumer preferences are shifting rapidly; the NFDA’s 2025 Consumer Awareness Report indicates that 61.4% of consumers are now interested in eco-friendly funeral options.

Beyond natural burial, new technologies are emerging:

1. Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction): In September 2025, New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize this process, where the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil.
2. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): Often called "water cremation," this process uses water and heat to reduce the body to bone fragments, using 90% less energy than flame cremation. As of early 2026, it is legal in over 28 states.

Breaking the Silence: Death Education for All Ages

A core tenet of Caitlin Doughty’s work is that death education should not be reserved for the elderly or the terminally ill. The Order recommends age-appropriate engagement with mortality to reduce fear and anxiety.

For Children and Teens

• Preschool & Elementary: Use the "Natural Life Cycle" approach. Use the death of a houseplant or a pet to explain that all living things have a beginning and an end.
• Teens: Engage in ethical discussions. High schoolers can explore the environmental impacts of the funeral industry or the philosophical implications of "Death with Dignity" laws.

For Adults: The Death Bill of Rights

The Order emphasizes that you have legal rights that funeral homes may not always disclose. For instance, you have the right to purchase a casket online rather than from the funeral home, and home funerals are legal in all 50 states. Understanding these rights is a crucial part of your after death admin timeline.

LGBTQ+ Protections and the Digital Afterlife

In 2025, the Order of the Good Death launched the "LGBTQ+ End of Life Guide Project." This initiative provides state-specific toolkits to help "chosen families" navigate legal hurdles. Without proper documentation, biological families can sometimes override the wishes of a partner or friend, especially regarding gender identity and funeral rites.

To protect these wishes, the Order recommends:

• Appointing a Funeral Agent (where legal).
• Completing an advance healthcare directive to name a proxy.
• Clearly defining your identity in your advance directive vs living will.

Managing the Digital Afterlife

In the mid-2020s, our digital presence is as significant as our physical one. Experts now recommend creating a "Digital Will." This document outlines how to handle social media accounts, digital assets, and sensitive data after you pass, ensuring your digital footprint is memorialized or deleted according to your preferences.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

When people first encounter the Order of the Good Death, they often bring preconceived notions about the industry and the movement.

• Waiting for a Crisis: The biggest mistake is waiting for a terminal diagnosis to start planning. Planning while healthy prevents financial exploitation and ensures your wishes are met.
• Assuming Cremation is "Green": While better than traditional burial, flame cremation still requires significant fossil fuels. For those seeking the lowest carbon footprint, aquamation or natural burial are superior choices.
• Fear of Dead Bodies: A major goal of death education is teaching that non-contagious corpses are safe to be around. You do not need professional intervention immediately after a death occurs at home.

Conclusion

The Order of the Good Death and the work of Caitlin Doughty have provided a much-needed roadmap for navigating our final chapter. By moving away from the expensive, chemically-laden traditions of the past and toward more sustainable, personal practices, we can transform how we view our mortality. Death positivity isn't about the end itself; it’s about making sure the end reflects the beauty and values of the life that preceded it.