Why Cremation is a Better Option for Funerals

Although it is unpleasant, when we lose a loved one, we have to dispose of the dead body. There are chiefly two approaches to doing this: the Direct Burial, which entails immersing the body in the ground. The other is Cremation, which often involves crushing the body and collecting or disposing of the ashes. What many people know about cremation is that it is the cheaper alternative of the two major funeral methods. However, cremation services in Geddes, NY have shown that Cremation can offer significant perks to humans and the environment beyond being pocket-friendly.

Here outlined are some good reasons to consider cremation over the traditional burial:

1.Environmental Consciousness

Almost nothing about the traditional burial as we currently know it is sustainable. Most burials involve metal caskets (the most popular ones are made of steel), which are highly non-biodegradable. Sadly, no one can exhume these caskets after use, meaning there are no chances of recycling them for re-use. Furthermore, the chemicals used in embalming and other processes before burial are known to have dire environmental consequences.

Then, the land used for burials is a serious source of concern, especially since some reports have shown that the world is running out of burial space.

Several materials also get used in the process of dumping the dead in the ground. Estimates from the Berkeley Planning Journal state that America consumes millions of feet of hardwood, and thousands of tons of bronze, steel, and copper to bury its dead, yearly.

2.Cost

Yes, there is more to cremation than just being the cheaper of the two funeral options. But the cost factor remains a major draw. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states that the average cremation costs about $1,500 while a burial will gulp over $7,000. Note that the NFDA figure for the traditional burial does not include the tombstone, cemetery plot, and the almost compulsory funeral ceremony. The combination of these cost factors can easily double the $7,000 figure.

Also note that the figure for cremation may increase drastically if you add a ceremony or wake, and if you choose to get a handcrafted urn.

3.A Lot of Options for Post-Cremation Disposal

There are only two alternatives for disposing of the body in a burial. First, you may enter the body underground or place the casket in a mausoleum. You however have seamless flexibility with Cremation. There are options of urn storage, scattering ashes in a symbolic place, keeping them with you, or even burying them underground.

4.Most Religions Accept it

In the past, several religions opposed the practice of cremation, but with time they have come to accept and permit it. For instance, for centuries, the Catholic Church outlawed cremation, but has now permitted it, and even issued guidelines for executing it.

Also, Jews were traditionally against it, but a growing percentage is adopting it.

It is therefore not surprising that nearly 50% of Americans now choose to cremate their dead, and that number is rapidly growing.

5.Facilitates Smoother Grieving Process

After death, the human body doesn’t take long to start decomposing. This necessitates disposing of the body within a very short time period. That’s why most people hold burials within 4-10 days of the death of their loved one.

However, this places unnecessary pressure on the surviving family. The death is still recent and the pain is fresh. There is the need for the family to take time to grieve properly, rather than spend time coordinating with funeral homes to conduct a burial.

Nonetheless, with Cremation, survivors are spared this urgency and they can commit quality time to emotional recovery.

Conclusion

When we hear of funerals, we most likely think of burials, but they are more than that. Cremation is fast emerging as the dominant funeral option and for good reason. It is simpler, cheaper, and better for the environment. However, when you decide to go with it, you should only contract the best cremation services.

You can learn more about cremation services in Geddes, NY. Talk to us at Bagozzi Twins Funeral Home, Inc. to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our office in New York or call our location.