What can you do instead of cremation?

6 Burial and Cremation Alternatives

• Body Donation. Donating your body to science is an excellent option for those who want to contribute to the advancement of science and medicine.
• Mushroom Burial Suit.
• Biodegradable Tree Urn.
• Burial Pods.
• Alkaline Hydrolysis.
• Human Composting.
• Funeral Pre-Planning.

Is cremation the future?

Given that the rate of cremation is expected to increase from 56\% in 2020 to 78.4\% by 2040, there is bound to be expansion and innovation. Consumer trends, professional surveys, and data all make it clear that cremation is the new normal.

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

The unfortunate truth of the matter is that both options have some negative side effects. Cremation requires a lot of natural gas and produces a lot of excess CO². The burning of dental fillings within the cremated remains can also pollute the atmosphere with mercury when the body is cremated.

What is the most environmentally friendly way to be buried?

Green (or natural) burial emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. It is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault. The grave site is allowed to return to nature.

Why has cremation become so popular?

While in 1958, less than 4 percent of Americans were cremated, the Cremation Association of North America estimates that over 50 percent will be cremated by 2018. This substantial increase in popularity is due to significant changes in the religious expectations, geography, beliefs and families of many Americans.

Is it illegal to bury a body without a casket?

Caskets and The Law No state law requires use of a casket for burial or cremation. If a burial vault is being used, there is no inherent requirement to use a casket. A person can be directly interred in the earth, in a shroud, or in a vault without a casket.