Making cremations greener A number of steps that reduce the ecological impact of cremation are becoming standard practice and will likely be incorporated into industry policy soon. The Green Burial Council offers the following recommendations to minimize the environmental impact of cremation (Ramone & Wormald, 2022): ● Choose a shroud instead of a coffin, as cardboard coffins often contain chemicals that are released into the environment during cremation. ● Do not embalm bodies prior to cremation to avoid releasing chemicals into the atmosphere. ● Bury the ashes in a biodegradable urn that will harmlessly become part of the earth. ● Avoid plastic, ceramic, and glass or other non-porous containers that do not break down easily. Mercury emissions Perhaps the least green aspect of cremation is the potential mercury emissions that can result from the material used to make dental fillings. Mercury in dental amalgam was considered safe to be used in the mouth because the oral cavity does not come in contact with temperatures high enough for the mercury to vaporize. The heating processes used in crematoriums can vaporize the mercury in dental amalgams, which can eventually build up in the atmosphere, water, and soil. The most extensive cremation equipment emissions research indicates that the design and operation of typical North American crematories provides significantly better emissions than regulations require (Rahill, n.d.). CANA provides the following information concerning mercury in the environment and cremation as a contributing factor: ● Mercury is a naturally occurring element that cycles through our environment, particularly in water. ● The most notable way that mercury enters the cremation cycle is via silver amalgam dental fillings through crematory emissions. ● Silver amalgam fillings contain mercury alloys that volatize when introduced into the cremation process of intense heat. Creative cremains The increased demand for cremation has driven a number of other trends associated with the wearing, displaying, scattering, or burying of cremains. One of these is the development of dedicated scattering grounds, a small number of which are certified as approved and protected in perpetuity by a deed restriction or a conservation easement. Many of these grounds also allow burial of cremains, though some require a biodegradable container. Keepsakes associated with cremation The most common purchase associated with cremation is an urn to hold the ashes. Keepsake urns are kept for lengthy periods and must be sturdy enough for this purpose; they are often carefully chosen works of art. Make sure clients are able to distinguish a keepsake urn from an eco-friendly biodegradable urn. Urns come in many shapes and sizes. Most urns have removable tops to allow placement of the ashes. Environmentally friendly urns are made from sustainable materials, like bamboo, a rapidly renewable wood. Some urns guarantee that they are made from at least 50% recycled materials. One urn type is made from
While those seeking a simpler, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly funeral and burial alternative often choose cremation, the process does use fossil fuels that do not save land from development nor protect or restore wildlife habitat. Projects such as artificial reefs (discussed below) are notable exceptions. In the future, there will likely be certification for crematories with emission controls. Newer cremation chambers often have water scrubbers installed in the exhaust ducts to clean the combustion gases and remove air pollutants, although their effectiveness is questionable. A study released by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) showed that these devices had little effect on emissions and pollutants (Rahill, n.d.). The Green Burial Council is currently formulating cremation standards and technologies to reduce or eliminate mercury and other pollutants. ● Within the past 10 years, the percentage of fillings containing mercury has declined by 30%, a significant decrease. ● The changes in dental practices and consumer preferences have resulted in significantly less mercury entering the cremation emissions. ● One of the most detailed studies of the impact of mercury emissions was conducted in the UK, where more than 70% of individuals choose cremation. The study focused on a crematorium that had been in operation for more than 40 years, processing more than 112,000 cremations. The concentration of mercury found in the crematory soil samples averaged less than 0.15 mg/ kg, almost seven times lower than that allowed for food production and more than 100 times lower than that allowed for children’s playgrounds. ● Consider that typical North American crematories operate at only 20% of the production levels from the study, and it becomes apparent that the anticipated impact of mercury emissions is diminished. ● Proper training of crematory operators and managers must be encouraged, and older cremation systems should be properly maintained and updated to keep them in prime operating condition. One of the inventive ideas for the disposition of remains has been the construction of sections of artificial reef, augmenting existing reefs in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These memorial reefs are made from cremated remains and concrete, poured into a mold and hardened. They eventually become a marine habitat. Individuals may participate in the creation of the concrete ball, if desired. An outdoor viewing of the reef and its placement is usually arranged (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2022; Eternal Reefs, n.d.). postconsumer recycled plastics and claims to use the equivalent of 40 recycled one-gallon milk jugs. Another type of urn has a semiporous top in which a tree seedling can be planted. Some urns are specially designed for scattering ashes on the ocean or other large bodies of waters. They float three to five minutes before sinking to the ocean floor and biodegrading. Urns placed in bodies of water may be made with unfired clay that is painted with water-soluble colors, suitable for burial or scattering at sea. Keepsake and memory boxes are also perfect for keeping a few mementos, such as a photo, and can store a small sachet of the individual’s ashes, if desired. Cremation jewelry
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