Reducing The Carbon Footprint Of A Cremation

In 2016, cremations became more popular than burials for the first time. This increasing popularity has a downside, and that's the environmental impact. Obviously, cremations result in greenhouse gases being produced, and this fact might deter some people from choosing this option. However, it is actually possible to minimize the carbon footprint of a cremation.

A Newer Crematory

You might leave instructions with your next of kin that you want to be cremated, but not any crematory will do. Newer facilities with newer equipment are likely to be more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. This is kind of logical if you think about it — a brand-new dishwasher will use less energy than one from decades ago. You can stipulate that your next of kin actively choose a newer facility for this very reason. 

Embalming and Caskets

It's not just the facility and their equipment that has an impact. You can also minimize the toxicity of the greenhouse gases created by the process. For this reason, you need to be clear that you are not to be embalmed (which introduces preservative caustic chemicals into your remains). Similarly, you can leave instructions that you are only to be cremated in a plain container, such as one made of unvarnished wood, bamboo, or even cardboard. The cremation facility will require less energy to cremate the container, along with eliminating the varnish and other agents commonly used in caskets. In any event, it might feel like a waste of money to purchase an expensive casket, only for it to be incinerated. 

Hot Water and Pressure

So while there are a number of ways to reduce the environmental impact of a traditional cremation, you can actually avoid a traditional cremation altogether. Have you heard of alkaline hydrolysis? This is also known as water cremation, even though it seems like those two words don't belong together. It involves the remains being reduced to ashes by a combination of hot water, pressure, and potassium hydroxide (which is highly corrosive). This is an eco-friendly option, as it doesn't involve incineration. It is only available in certain states and can be a little more expensive than traditional cremations, but it might be an option worth exploring. 

An excessive environmental impact can be an unfortunate side effect of cremations, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. Contact a local provider of cremation services to learn more about the options available to you.