The world is going green. From the biodegradable paper diapers that swaddle a newborn’s bottom to the body’s cremation at death, eco-conscious Americans are seeking ways to move through life without increasing the environmental damage to our world. Environmental experts agree that cremation is greener than traditional burial. While it does take quite a bit of energy to cremate a body, the environmental toll is considerably less than the resources consumed to make coffins and the environmental burden created by the toxic chemicals used during the embalming process.
A December 2008 article in U.S. News & World Report online noted that cremations are increasing in the U.S. Concern for the environment certainly plays a roll in the move toward greener funeral arrangements, but cost considerations driven by the poor economy appear to be the major reason more families are choosing cremation. Just as it took high gas prices to spur Americans to embrace fuel-efficient cars, it may take economic belt-tightening to lead Americans to recognize the environmental — and financial — advantages of cremation.
Cremation options allow families a wide variety of choices in planning the final arrangements for their dearly departed. Cremation permits the use of biodegradable cremation caskets that are considerably less expensive than the heavy, sealable coffins required for burial. Unlike burial, cremation does not require the use of underground concrete vaults to protect the earth from decomposition. Cremains are clean and sterile and produce no risk of toxic harm to the environment. When cremation is selected, families can even choose to eliminate embalming, saving the environment from the highly toxic chemicals released during the embalming process.
Unlike burial, cremation does not require land resources, freeing more land for other uses and decreasing the amount of land needed for cemeteries. If a family does choose to inter its loved one’s cremains in a cemetery, more than one set of cremains is usually allowed to be interred on a single plot, decreasing the amount of land space devoted to burial. Columbariums, free-standing columns or walls located within mausoleums or chapels, allow multiple cremation urns to be stored, each in its own niche, in a compact space, further decreasing land use. Cremation also allows scattering of the deceased loved one’s cremains, an environmentally friendly option that uses no land space and allows cremains to return to and enrich the earth.
Established in 2002; we are a non-denominational firm providing a variety of options for Tampa Florida Cremation merchandise, and services to families of all ages, creeds, and ethnic backgrounds.Call us toll free @ 1-877-989-9090.
