What You Should Know About Cremation
When a loved one dies, you may be responsible for deciding if they should be buried or cremated. Cremation is often the less expensive option, which is one of many reasons people choose to have someone cremated. This involves reducing the bones and tissue of the body to dried bone fragments and ashes. After that, it is up to you how to handle the remains. Here are some things to know about cremation.
Cremation is More Eco-Friendly
Many people choose to have their loved one cremated because it can be friendlier to the environment. When you decide on burial, the funeral director uses chemicals during the embalming process. These chemicals are not only harsh on their own, but the body then goes into the ground, which further reduces the health of the Earth. With cremation, the ash that is left is completely biodegradable. Whether you keep the ashes in an urn or spread them around, they are not going to be filled with toxins and chemicals prior to being spread in the Earth.
You Can Still Have a Funeral Service
It is a common misconception that when you choose cremation, you can only have a memorial service and not a standard funeral service. However, this is not the case. If you still want to have a funeral for your loved one, but also have them cremated, you can do both. The funeral director will first prepare the body for the funeral, whether you choose open or closed casket. After the funeral service is over, they will then cremate the body instead of burying it. This can a good way to give your loved ones a way to say goodbye in the more traditional way, while also following your loved one's wishes if they wanted to be cremated.
There Are Many Ways to Handle the Remains
You will also have a lot of different options for handling the remains if you choose cremation. There are of course the more common methods, such as spreading the ashes in the deceased's favourite spot, or by keeping the ashes in an urn. Also consider splitting up the ashes to make a memorable piece of jewellery for each of their close relatives. There are jewellery designers that can actually make pendants or lockets that contain some of the ashes inside. You can also have artwork made with some of the ashes. There are a wide range of options available to help keep the memory of your loved one alive.