Which Is More Environmentally Friendly Burial or Cremation?

In some regions of the country, cremation is chosen for as many as 80% of funerals. ... Cremation with scattering is even less wasteful: no casket or space in the ground is required. Cremation uses far fewer resources than almost any other disposition option but it does have an environmental impact.

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.

Is burial or cremation better for the environment?

A growing body of research, however, has found that while cremation may not be as environmentally damaging as full-service burial, standard cremations in most crematorium retorts require the burning of natural gas, and therefore the release of greenhouse gases, as well as the vaporization of other chemicals that may be ...