As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, end-of-life services are also evolving.
One such practice that is gaining traction in the United States is eco-friendly cremation, also called sustainable cremation. According to the National Funeral Directors Association's 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 68% of people expressed interest in exploring “green” funeral options because of their potential environmental benefits.
For families seeking a more environmentally friendly way to honor their loved ones, sustainable cremation offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional methods. In this post, we explore what sustainable cremation is, its methods, benefits and challenges, and how to choose the right provider.
What is sustainable cremation?
Sustainable cremation is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the process. While traditional cremation provides a way to handle remains, it uses large amounts of energy and releases harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide. In contrast, eco-friendly cremation methods aim to minimize these environmental costs through the use of innovative technologies that reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources.
There are key differences between traditional and sustainable cremation processes. Traditional cremation involves burning the body in an oven at high temperatures, which uses large amounts of fuel and releases pollutants into the air. In contrast, sustainable cremation focuses on reducing energy consumption and emission of toxins, offering a gentler and more sustainable option.
The most popular methods of sustainable cremation include alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction (NOR), both of which provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional cremation process.
Methods of sustainable cremation
Below are some examples of sustainable cremation:
Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation)
One of the most discussed methods of sustainable cremation is alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation. This process uses water, heat and alkaline chemicals to break down the body, turning it into a liquid and leaving only the bones, which are then processed into a fine powder. The result is an environmentally friendly process that significantly reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to traditional cremation.
Currently, alkaline hydrolysis is legal in several states, including California, Oregon and Colorado. However, due to legal restrictions, it is not yet available nationwide, and there are ongoing legislative efforts to expand its availability.
Natural organic reduction (NOR) or human composting
Another growing trend in sustainable cremation is natural organic reduction, also known as human composting. In this process, human remains are broken down into nutrient-rich soil through a controlled, aerobic process. The body is placed in a container with organic materials such as straw and wood chips and over several weeks the body naturally breaks down into soil. This method conserves natural resources by converting the body into compost, which can enrich the soil.
Currently, several states, including Washington, Colorado and Oregon, have legalized human composting. Like alkaline hydrolysis, it is still relatively new and not yet widely available, although its legal footprint is growing.
Comparison: Alkaline hydrolysis vs. natural organic reduction
Both alkaline hydrolysis and NOR are considered to be much more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. On the one hand, comparing the two methods, alkaline hydrolysis uses less energy and releases fewer emissions than the high-temperature flames of traditional cremation. On the other hand, natural organic reduction further reduces environmental impact by creating useful compost that can be used to enrich the land, further contributing to sustainability.
While both methods enable carbon footprint reduction and elimination of harmful emissions, NOR goes one step further by providing families with a lasting legacy in the form of soil, perhaps for planting trees or creating memorial gardens.
Benefits of sustainable cremation
The appeal of sustainable cremation lies not only in its environmental benefits, but also in its alignment with many people's personal and ethical values. A key advantage is the reduction of the carbon footprint. Sustainable cremation uses much less energy compared to traditional methods, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Another benefit is the elimination of harmful chemicals such as mercury from dental fillings, which can be released into the atmosphere during traditional cremation. By choosing sustainable cremation, families can ensure that their loved one's remains are treated in a way that does not contribute to environmental pollution.
Additionally, environmentally friendly cremation helps conserve natural resources such as land, which is often used for traditional burials. In areas with limited land availability, environmentally friendly practices can help reduce pressure on burial sites and reduce stress on natural ecosystems.
Most importantly, sustainable cremation resonates with people who prioritize sustainability and want to have a positive impact on the environment even after death. For these individuals, this method provides a meaningful way to align their end-of-life decisions with their broader ethical values.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its advantages, sustainable cremation faces some challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the legal restrictions on its availability. While alkaline hydrolysis and NOR are legal in select states, these methods are not widely available in the United States. Efforts continue to expand the legality of these methods, but families interested in sustainable cremation may need to travel to a state where the process is permitted.
Another challenge is cost. Environmentally friendly cremation methods are often more expensive than traditional cremation due to the specialized equipment and technology required. For some families, this cost difference may play a role in their decision.
Public awareness and misconceptions about sustainable cremation also remain obstacles. Some people may be hesitant to opt for these newer methods because they are unfamiliar with the procedure or misunderstand how they work. Education and advocacy efforts are critical to overcome these barriers and increase acceptance of sustainable cremation.
How to Choose Sustainable Cremation Services
If you are interested in sustainable cremation, it is important to research providers that offer these options. First, look for funeral homes or cremation providers that offer eco-friendly funeral or cremation services. When contacting funeral homes, be sure to ask specific questions about the eco-friendly options they offer, including whether they offer alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction.
It is also important that you communicate your wishes to your family in advance. Planning your funeral arrangements in advance can ensure that your environmental values are respected and relieve your family of the burden of making these decisions during a difficult time.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions to consider:
1. What are the environmental impacts of traditional cremation compared to sustainable cremation?
Traditional cremation releases harmful emissions and uses a lot of energy. Environmentally friendly cremation methods such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction use less energy and produce fewer emissions, reducing their overall impact on the environment.
2. How do I find a funeral provider that offers sustainable cremation services?
Look for funeral homes that offer eco-friendly or eco-friendly services, and be sure to ask about specific methods such as alkaline hydrolysis or human composting.
3. Is there sustainable cremation everywhere?
No, sustainable cremation is currently only legal in a few states. It is important to check the laws in your state and consider options in surrounding states if necessary.
The Future of Green Cremation in the USA
As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainable cremation is likely to see broader acceptance in the United States. Technology innovations and an increasing focus on sustainability will continue to shape the future of end-of-life services.
Speak to a professional cremation service provider today about sustainable cremation options.