Most people are curious about the cremation process, but they don’t have the opportunity to ask experts in the field. That’s why we have created this blog. We want to inform the public about cremation while debunking any myths people may have about the process. Even though most Americans are choosing cremation over burial, there still be a few who want your questions answered before making your ultimate decision. 

Here are some topics and questions we often encounter from the general public.

Cremation and the Environment

One of the most popular topics we encounter is whether or not cremation is a green burial option. More people are interested in how to reduce the thumbprint of the deceased, and they wonder whether cremation is more environmentally friendly than a burial.

To address these concerns, let’s consider a typical burial. Not only does the casket take up valuable land resources, but most caskets are not biodegradable. Even if the body was placed in a natural casket, most cemeteries require that those caskets are buried within a concrete vault. Additionally, there are a lot of concerns about cancer-causing embalming chemicals being released into the environment.

Cremation is certainly an environmentally-friendly option, especially if the body is not embalmed, and the ashes are scattered or placed in a biodegradable urn.

What Are Ashes, Really?

Speaking of ashes, many people ask us what they can expect to receive after a loved one is cremated. 

Even though “ashes” is the most common word that people use to describe the end result of cremation, the more accurate term is “cremains.” 

Cremains are primarily made up of bone fragments. They look like coarse, gray sand, and typically weigh between three to seven pounds. 

Families who plan to scatter the ashes of loved ones are sometimes concerned about the health risks involved. They wonder, “are ashes sterile?”

You will be happy to know that cremains pose no health hazard. In fact, some people choose to remember a loved one by getting a tattoo out of ashes. The cremains are mixed with the ink injected into the body to create the design.

While you may not like the idea of being tattooed with your loved one’s cremains, there are many things you can do to show respect for your loved one’s ashes. You can place the urn in a columbarium niche at a local mausoleum or cemetery. You can scatter the cremains three nautical miles out at sea. You can even purchase a living urn, that allows the ashes to be mixed into the soil of a newly-planted tree.

Since cremations have increased in popularity, a whole industry has surfaced that will help you find a final resting place for your loved one’s cremains. 

What Happens When Cremations Aren’t Collected?

You may have more logistical concerns about the cremation process, including the expense of the process. You may wonder, “does hospice pay for funeral expenses?” You may also be concerned about what would happen if no one collects yours or a loved one’s cremains.

First, let’s address your financial concerns. Pre-paying for cremation with Smart Cremation is a financially-responsible choice. Not only will you be able to lock in a low rate in a world where costs are skyrocketing, but your cremation plan will also stay intact, even if you travel abroad or relocate within the U.S.

While we were able to put your mind at ease regarding the cost of cremation, you may still be concerned about what happens to cremated remains when they aren’t collected. Most states have laws that address this concern. These laws typically give a set amount of time for the cremains to be received by the next of kin. After that, the ashes are either buried or scattered. 

People who work in the end-of-life industry are trained to treat human remains with respect. Often the burial or scattering of unclaimed cremains coincides with a simple, solemn service.  

What other questions or concerns do you have regarding cremation? While many of your inquiries can be answered by our other blog posts, you can also reach out to our cremation pre-planning experts. Call Smart Cremation at 844-814-8712.