How is cremation on the environment? Is it eco-friendly? Is it a better choice? Those are important questions and ones a lot of people ask. But the answers are more complex that most think.
Initially, when compared to a normal burial, cremation is far more toxic to the environment. Chemicals that result from the process are harmful to the air. Technology is helping to lesson the impact. New crematoriums are more efficient and filter out more of the toxic chemicals than in the past. But it still is one of the drawbacks of cremation.
There is a myth that human and pet crematories are not regulated by the EPA and therefore cause more problems than we think, but that is false. Crematories are controlled by zoning, licensing, and other business regulations, and emissions are regulated by state environmental protection agencies through air permits. Every state has their own rules. Crematories are most definitely regulated at the state, county, city, etc., levels.
However, we need to understand just how big the impact of cremation is. To give some perspective, there are just over 3,000 crematories in the United States. All of them combined create less than 10 percent of the waste one natural gas facility creates over the course of a year. Cremation may not be the ultimate in eco-friendly processes, but in relation it isn't nearly as impactful as more common things.
So, if you are deciding between a normal burial and cremation there are a couple important differences to bear in mind. Burial has a smaller impact initially than cremation. However, over time the advantages and disadvantages swing around. In time, a significant worry of traditional burial is the impact of embalming fluids in the groundwater. This issue can cost lives and lots of money if things go bad and the chemicals poison the groundwater. The damage can be significant.
Another issue to consider with traditional burial is the amount of space we all occupy. It's not an insignificant thing. In addition, there is the psychological impact of burial. There is a lot more maintenance that goes into caring for a grave site for the loved ones left behind.
A lot of the decision comes down to personal preferences.
