In Ways to Die Right, Joel's life issteeped in loss, with his mom’s battle with cancer not the first time hisfamily has faced death.When he discovers the environmental harm of traditionalburials, he decides to champion 'green burials' through a science presentation. Joel’s mom is diagnosed with cancer, again,sending him into a spiral.He is already feeling the burden of caring for hissister’s grave, how could he possibly care for his mom’s grave as well?Then,at the cemetery, his most sacred space, he is confronted by his arch-nemesis,Trent.While Joel is striving to understand how family members can ‘forget’their loved one by abandoning their graves, Trent wants everyone to know thatgraves are an important part of our human community.When Joel is given the opportunity,he champions green burials in a science presentation.The public oppositionfrom Trent is almost more than he can take.Joel is forced to fight for himselfand his beliefs, while trying to hide his biggest secret.New and old friendssupport him in his quest to protect the environment and find peace, while hisparents see his struggles and make changes to support him.