It has always been an on-going debate: cremation vs. burial. Proponents of cremation say that the materials used in most caskets aren’t biodegradable, plus embalming fluid is harsh on the environment. ... money is a huge factor in the negative impact that traditional burial has caused by urging the grieving families of the deceased to purchase unnecessary and expensive products and services. The process of a burial leaves a significant footprint ; the use of embalming fluid, coffin, and tombstone can have adverse effects when buried. The research has been done on this topic and environmental impact of burial is nowhere on the list. Cremation vs. Burial: An Overview. Environmental Considerations. However, these are things to keep in mind: Unlike chemicals used to prepare bodies for a burial, the remains from a cremation only contain harmless minerals. Beyond cost, religious and cultural reasons are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding between cremation vs burial. The bottom line: if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your final disposition, those concerns can be ameliorated regardless of whether you choose burial or cremation… Comparing cremation and burial from an environmental standpoint is complex. Reassured, an award-winning and FCA registered broker, has put together the below guide to help you with this important decision of cremation vs burial. In a traditional burial the body is buried in a casket made from a variety of materials. Environmental Impact of Cremation and Burials. This method benefits the environment, while also giving loved ones a lasting physical remembrance that they can visit. The environmental perspective of cremation vs burial. On the face of it the funeral rite of burial of a person in a shroud or letting bodies be eaten by vultures may seem to be more eco-friendly than burial in a coffin or crematorium or funeral pyre. The cremation industry claims – directly and through imagery such as the examples above – that cremation is better for the environment. It’s still debated which is better and whether when a body is cremated it lets off a large number of pollutants. Apart from having a lighter impact on the wallet, cremation will also leave less of an environmental footprint. Advocates for burial bring up that most crematories operate using natural gas which is a nonrenewable resource. The effects of cremation and burial are of much concern for environmentalists. With more and more concerns being raised over the environmental effects of the extermination of dead bodies, many people have started choosing cremation as a more favorable, environmentally safe option. The American cremation rate has been steadily on the rise for the past 30 years. The diversification of the funeral industry stems from the environmental impact of traditional burial and the rise of cremation. The year of 2015 marked the first time the cremation rate was higher than the burial … Continue reading as we compare both options in terms of cost, the process, environmental impact, flexibility, religion and more… Today many are choosing burial methods that minimize environmental impact. There is no consensus on whether cremation or burial is a greener choice. Definitions Cremation is the process whereby human remains are reduced through mechanical, thermal, or other means of dissolution.1 The literal translation of the Latin root cremare is “to burn by fire.”2 Cremation uses flame and heat to reduce remains to bone fragments which are then pulverized in a cremator to the consistency of ashes. “Green burial” is now advocated as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. This can be as little as £1,195 if you go with Beyond. Those against burial argue the issue of land use and what is involved in the perpetual care of a cemetery. Environmental Concerns. While others see burial as the worse choice for the environment without using biodegradable items. In the United States, about 2.7 million people die every year and more than half of them are cremated. Cremation Vs Burial- What are The Differences? Burial Vs Cremation: Cost Comparison. Cremation is more environmentally-friendly. Deciding whether to choose cremation vs. burial is an important task when outlining your end-of-life wishes. It is therefore important to highlight the effects of each decomposition method on the environment. Cremation was popularised in the UK in the late 19th century, pushed on by growing secularism and the Industrial Revolution, but environmental concerns have led … Environmental Impact If the effect on the environment is important to you, consider getting a cremation instead. The environmental impact of burial has also shifted public opinions toward cremation. Every action humans take on earth has an impact on the environment, even their death. Yet another environmental concern, of sorts, is that traditional burial takes up a great deal of space. Environmental and Public Health Concerns Depending on your personal values, you may want to consider the environmental impact burial and cremation both have. If Green Burial is not possible for you but you are interested in reducing your environmental impact during the funeral planning, here are 10 simple things you can do to make a difference: Carpool to any gathering. But burial is also has least impact in terms of pollutants if you opt for no embalming, natural burial site and environmentally friendly coffin. The environmental impact of cremations and burials is still a contentious subject. Deciding between cremation and burial is a very personal decision and one that can be hard for most individuals. One thing that can make cremation more expensive, however, is what you decide to do with the ashes after the cremation. Donate to a charity rather than sending flowers. In states like California, transplants have driven the cremation rate over 70%. However, cremation is not without an impact on the environment and as a result 'Green Burials' are now looked into as a further alternative. 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