Eco-Friendly Funeral Options: Burials, Cremation, and Their Environmental Impact

The process of arranging a funeral is deeply personal, often serving as a way for families to begin their grieving journey. However, several choices available today also have varying effects on the environment. This article explores whether popular burial practices such as coffins, headstones, and cemeteries are detrimental to the environment, and how cremation might be viewed as a more sustainable alternative.

The Environmentally Friendly Burial Method

The most environmentally friendly method of disposing of human remains is to bury the deceased without the use of embalming fluid. Traditional embalming involves the use of formaldehyde, a highly toxic chemical, risking groundwater pollution. Alternatively, preserving the body using less toxic chemicals, such as those that can quickly biodegrade, and wrapping it in an unbleached cotton shroud or a biodegradable casket made from a renewable resource can be beneficial. A locally sourced and biodegradable casket ensures a smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, avoiding the use of a grave liner or burial vault, which can protect the grave from collapsing, is essential as these can have high environmental costs.

Numerous cemeteries restrict such practices, either due to ignorance about decomposition or deliberate barriers to prevent it. This often leads to disputes between families seeking to practice eco-friendly funerals and cemetery administrators who favor more traditional methods.

Decisions About Burial Vaults and Caskets

Burial vaults, often mandated by cemeteries, serve as outer containers for the casket. These vaults can be sealed or unsealed, offering preferences for those who desire either. However, most cemeteries require a burial vault for protection against natural disasters and to ensure the casket and body are not disturbed by the earth's weight. This requirement is not merely a symbol but a necessity for protecting both the deceased and the environment.

While sealed vaults can help protect the remains against the environment, they are not without environmental concerns. The concrete and metal materials used in these vaults contribute significantly to carbon emissions during production. Hence, the use of biodegradable vaults can be a more sustainable option.

Caskets made from renewable resources like bamboo or hemp are also becoming more popular. These materials are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional materials like wood, which may not biodegrade as quickly. Additionally, choosing a casket made from locally sourced materials can also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

The Emotional Aspect of Cremation

The decision to cremate a loved one is highly personal and often emotionally charged. For many, a proper burial provides a sense of closure and respect for the deceased.

For instance, a mother who has buried a six-year-old child would likely object to the idea of cremation. Burning a child is an horrendous thought and goes against the natural belief of returning to the earth. The mother expressed that she would prefer to bury her child herself rather than have it cremated. This emotional attachment and the cultural belief of returning to the earth make the idea of cremation highly distressing for many families, especially when it comes to their own dear ones.

While others may have different views, it is essential to respect those who feel strongly against cremation and advocate for more conventional burial practices. The natural process of decomposition, which turns the body into bones over time, is a normal and environmentally friendly cycle, provided the remains are not heavily embalmed or excessively treated.

Ultimately, the choice between burial and cremation should be made with sensitivity to both environmental and personal factors. A thoughtful, respectful, and environmentally conscious method of disposal can honor the deceased while minimizing environmental impact.