Is it better for the environment to be buried or cremated?

In America, cremation is now the most common alternative to the traditional funeral. Cremation with scattering is even less wasteful: no casket or space in the ground is required. Cremation uses far fewer resources than almost any other disposition option but it does have an environmental impact.

Does cremation hurt the environment?

While cremation is less harsh on the environment than traditional burial, the process is still noxious. It releases nasty chemicals into the atmosphere, including carbon monoxide, fine soot, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, and mercury emissions from dental fillings, which are particularly concerning.

Are human ashes bad for the environment?

Human ashes are also bad for the environment because unlike plant matter, ashes don’t decompose. And finally, cremation ashes have a very high pH level, which can be toxic to many plants because it prevents the natural release of beneficial nutrients within the soil.

Why is cremation better for the environment?

One of the reasons why cremation can be better for the environment over a traditional burial is because it conserves land. A traditional burial requires you to buy plots of land, requiring acres to be used for cemeteries. This means that the land cannot be used for anything else.

Is cremation or burial more environmentally friendly?

Cremation can be eco-friendly if done properly. Cremation produces lesser environmental damage than the traditional in-ground burial. Additionally, the process of cremation can be even safer for the environment through what is known as green cremation.

Are crematories safe?

Industry officials say crematoriums are safe and meet all government air-quality standards. And some scientists say the amount of mercury in fillings is so small as to pose little or no danger. But that’s of little interest to Richmond residents who fought plans…

Is it better for the environment to be buried or cremated? In America, cremation is now the most common alternative to the traditional funeral. Cremation with scattering is even less wasteful: no casket or space in the ground is required. Cremation uses far fewer resources than almost any other disposition option but it does have…