What is Natural Cremation?

Although you may have heard of natural burial and natural interment, natural cremation is a relatively new concept. Natural cremation refers to using cremation ovens that run on solar power, natural gas, or propane. Green Cremation Texas has shown the process to be less expensive than traditional cremation and better for the environment. It has become popular among those who are concerned about pollution and climate change. 

Process 

Natural cremation begins when the body is brought to the facility. The process itself is very much like traditional cremation – the body will be inspected and cleaned, labeled, and placed in a container. The main difference comes when the body is placed into the eco-casket or alternative container. Natural cremators have control over how quickly they burn the body. For example, they can control how long they allow combustion to occur, which helps regulate the heat output. In addition, they can configure the oven in such a way that it will not burn for very long. 

Natural Cremation: Costs 

Natural cremation is significantly less expensive than traditional cremation and can reduce the overall cost of a funeral. In fact, it may cost less to have your loved one’s ashes placed in an eco-casket rather than having them placed in a traditional container. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a traditional cremation, you can have a natural cremation performed for less than $1,000 in most cases. 

Natural Cremation: Benefits 

Although natural cremation may not be as effective as green burial, it does help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. In fact, the United States Cremation Association has stated that the average burial generates over 4 tons of carbon dioxide and 6.5 tons of methane, which contribute to global warming. Natural cremation not only reduces these emissions but also reduces the amount of waste that will eventually be disposed of in landfills. 

The Controversy of Natural Cremations 

Although natural cremation is a less expensive and more environmentally friendly option, many people are skeptical about this type of cremation. Many are concerned that these cremators will create a cheap, quick way to cremate bodies that loved ones have not claimed. They also worry that the ovens will handle bodies that are too large or will use a fuel for which there is not enough demand. 

Advantages of Natural Cremation 

There are many benefits of natural cremation. These include: 

Less impact on our environment 

The main reason that Natural Cremation is considered efficient is that there are no wood-burning ovens involved. With Natural Cremation, the body is placed in a standard crematory chamber and cremated. With traditional cremations, the body goes through various phases of being burned with wood, paper, oxygen, and chemicals all being added into the fire (if any), which requires strict oversight by funeral directors as to how much of these components are included in the cadavers. This is not the case with Natural Cremation. The body goes directly from the body to a crematory chamber, where it is burned immediately without any secondary chemicals, gasses, and particulates being added to the fire.  

Waste materials from the cremation process can have a negative environmental impact. For example, the mercury vapor from dental amalgam and mercury-based preservatives will be released into the air during the cremation process. Research shows that cutting boards made of composite wood products such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and wood-burning do not release dioxins into the groundwater or air. In the United States, the average amount of mercury in dental amalgam is approximately 50% elemental mercury (Hg), released into the air during the cremation process. 

This is true, but Natural Cremation does not escape all of these requirements. Although they do not use wood, they still have to add certain chemicals into the fire to burn the bodies properly, such as phosphate-based accelerants that help the body break down faster for cremation. 

 Natural Cremation: A Venue for Your Needs 

The next time you are making funeral arrangements, consider the benefits of natural cremation. Although it may not be available in your area, you can investigate whether or not there is a facility nearby that does offer these services. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, natural cremation is less expensive and can help reduce the overall costs. Reach out to Green Cremation Texas to give your loved one a respectable and energy-sufficient send-off.