How Choosing Cremation Helps to Protect the Environment

In recent years, it has become more apparent how important it is to consider our impact on the environment. This can reach all aspects of our lives, from what we eat, to what we drive. It can even come down to choosing a traditional burial or cremation services near Cleveland, OK. When you sit down and compare the facts, cremation is a better option for being eco-friendly. 

One aspect of traditional burial is that it requires land. Over time, this land-use becomes significant, cemeteries become overcrowded, and more land is needed. While many people who choose cremation still desire to have their remains buried, cremated remains take up much less space than a casket. Many different family members can be planted within one single burial plot, saving a considerable amount of space and land. Many others will have their remains interred in an above-ground columbarium, providing a permanent memorial space but taking up no land. This is just one way to reduce your footprint by choosing cremation services. 

The next thing to consider is all the harmful chemicals buried with a traditional burial. Many people undergo the embalming process, which requires substances like formaldehyde, toxic to the earth. Around 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid are buried in the United States each year. In addition to that, many caskets themselves contain harmful chemicals. Substances like methyl and xylene are used in the finishing sprays on the coffins, and these are the first things that come into contact with the soil underground. Cremation uses none of these chemicals and harmful products. Even if a person is embalmed before cremation to allow for a viewing, they are not buried with those toxic chemicals. 

The number of valuable resources tied up in caskets buried in the ground is another consideration. Thousands of tons of copper and bronze, tens of thousands of tons of stainless steel, and 30-plus million feet of hardwood are buried in cemeteries. There’s enough hardwood buried in an average cemetery to build the houses of an entire neighborhood. This isn’t a wise use of resources, and it can be avoided by choosing cremation. 

While cremation is inherently “greener” than traditional burial, it isn’t perfect. The process does release greenhouse gases into the air, such as carbon dioxide. However, if you choose between traditional burial and cremation services, it’s not difficult to see which one has a minor impact on the environment. Whether you are a big supporter of environmental protection or just want to reduce your overall negative impact on the earth, it’s worth considering cremation services for your final arrangements. If you’d like to find out more, you can contact your local cremation services provider near Cleveland, OK. They will be available anytime, whether you’re looking to plan ahead or in immediate need. Let them know, and they’ll set you on the right path to better protecting the earth with your final arrangements.

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