Green is the New Black for Funerals
Less harmful to the environment
The opportunity to return to nature
Less financial impact
So, What is Considered "Green"?
Green simply means that there is no embalming involved in the process and the body is disposed in a manner that is biodegradable with the least amount of negative impact on the environment.
"Burial involves
CO2 emissions equivalent to
3.6 Cremations."
Cremation vs Burial- Which one leaves a larger ecological footprint?
According to a study published in World Funeral News, during the 21st century, there has been a significant rise in emissions, particularly across Asia with most of the issues arising from China. However, on a positive note, the United States and Europe accounts for just under one-third of emissions.
The burial process involves Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 is a driving factor in global climate change. The modern burial process involves CO2 emissions equivalent to 3.6 cremations. To put this in perspective, this would be like driving from Marble Falls to California, and back again, in one trip. The burial footprint does fluctuate depending on the type of coffin or the materials used in the final resting place (such as those found in a grave or niche).
When it comes to the cremation process, gas emissions from cremation ovens are the leading cause of ecological impact. A standard cremation uses about 42 cubic meters of gas, which accounts for 57% of the environmental impact of the cremation process due to the generated emissions. The construction of the furnace infrastructure, and the maintenance, can also have an impact on the emissions levels.
The study concluded with the finding that the most environmentally friendly method when it comes to the disposition of remains is direct burial into the ground, which is very rare and often banned in many countries. Although cremation is not the most environmentally friendly option, studies like this have shown that it leaves a smaller footprint than traditional burials.
Sources: World Funeral News, (2/1/21) + Study: Analyse environnementale comparative du rite de la cremation et de l;inhumation en lie-de-France (Durapole-Verteego)
Are Cremated Remains Bad For The Lake?
Cremated remains contain harmless minerals that are mostly dry calcium phosphates with some minor minerals, such as salts of sodium and potassium. Most of the sulfur and carbon are burned off as oxidized gases during the cremation process with a relatively small amount of carbon remaining as carbonate.
These minerals cause no harm to the water or the water life. The ashes will scatter throughout the water with no adverse effects as a coarse, gritty, sand-like substance. Cremated remains must be scattered or buried in biodegradable urns that will dissolve in the water and spread the remains, or you can scatter the remains by sprinkling them into the water.
