Comparing the Environmental Effects of Burial vs Cremation Services
It seems like all you hear nowadays is more and more information about going green, or being eco-friendly. People are becoming more aware of how their actions affect the planet, and overall, it’s a good thing. You may have never considered it, but you can even make a difference when it comes to what method of disposition you choose for yourself or a loved one. Cremation services near Celebration, FL, can have a different, and sometimes less, detrimental effect on the environment when compared to traditional burial. Here are some of the ways that they can compare and contrast.
The biggest effect that cremation has on the environment is the greenhouse gases that are released as a result of the combustion process. These generally consist of carbon dioxide, but there can also be more toxic gases released depending on the person who has been cremated. These can result from dental amalgams, amongst other things. Greenhouse gases have been shown to have a negative effect on the atmosphere, and are thought to contribute to global climate change. Making choices that lessen the release of these gases is a goal for many climate activists, and we can make small changes in our own lives to lessen our personal impacts.
A traditional burial does not have this issue, but it does come with some of its own. Often, traditional burial is preceded by a viewing and a funeral. Viewing requires the use of embalming, so as to preserve the person’s bodily remains for a longer period of time. Embalming, unfortunately, uses some toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. As a result of the burial process, these substances are eventually able to enter the soil, affecting the local ecosystem. Additionally, many people are buried in caskets that have been treated with certain chemicals intended to prolong the period of breaking down in the soil. These chemicals are often toxic and harmful to the environment as well.
There are ways to create a “greener” burial service. You can use an untreated wood casket or a shroud made of
natural materials like cotton or linen, rather than a treated casket. Additionally, you can forgo the embalming process altogether, eliminating all those toxins from the process completely. There are some other alternatives to embalming as well if you and close family members still desire the opportunity to say a final goodbye to your loved one. By making some of these choices, you can significantly lessen the environmental footprint that burial is associated with.
As you can see, it’s not a straightforward answer as to which is better for the environment: cremation or burial. There are ways to create a more responsible process, and however, you choose to proceed is completely up to you and your family. Your provider of cremation services near Celebration, FL, can help you understand the pros and cons of both methods of disposition so that you can make a more informed decision. If your loved one had a passion for nature, you may want to take the time to learn more about the environmental impacts that each one has.
