Cremations reduce human remains down to fragments commonly known as ashes. It’s a popular final arrangement made by people before they pass or by their loved ones after they pass. People prefer cremation over other end-of-life options for an assortment of reasons. The following factors are a few different reasons people choose cremation over any other arrangement.
Cost
Burial procedures can result in a steep fee. On top of funeral arrangements, some families cannot afford to bury their loved ones and, therefore, opt for cremation instead. Some individuals decide on cremation before their death to save their family the financial burden of a different posthumous arrangement.
Cremation does not require a headstone, casket, or an embalming process—all of which are big-ticket items for standard burial procedures. Though cremation urns are commonly purchased following the cremation of a loved one, they usually cost much less than caskets.
Simplicity
Some folks default to cremation at the end of their life because it is just the easiest thing to do logistically. Cremation removes the need to organize grandiose burial ceremonies, which can relieve some final arrangement stress.
Burials include casket viewings, pallbearers, car processions, and more, all of which need to be sorted out by the family of the deceased or the individual themself before their passing. When a service only requires showcasing the urn, far fewer people are needed to enact the service. Its simple nature makes it a popular choice for many.
Less Environmental Impact
Cremation is generally considered the eco-friendlier option as far as final arrangements go. Though cremation has its carbon emissions, one of the main reasons people choose cremation is still for its reduced environmental effect.
There are plenty of new techniques that enable ashes to be buried sustainably. Remains can now be buried with a tree root system. In this scenario, the deceased’s life lives on symbolically through new tree growth that gives oxygen back to the earth. Equipment and technology continue to develop to further lessen the method’s environmental impact.
More Personal
Traditional burials are still the preferred method for many families and individuals. For those that want to stray from tradition, cremation is the favored option. When remains are cremated, families have a lot of flexibility on what they can do with the ashes.
Cremation’s popularity has encouraged people to find ways to personalize urns, whether for themselves or in honor of a late loved one. Many families also appreciate having the freedom to travel with ashes and scatter them in commemorative places.
FAQ
Is cremation better for the environment?
Cremation is generally considered the eco-friendlier option as far as final arrangements go. Though cremation has its carbon emissions, one of the main reasons people choose cremation is still for its reduced environmental effect.
