We appreciate your decision, or curiosity about the decision, to plan a green cremation in California. After all, we all need to do our part to protect the Earth. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about green funeral services and not every environmentally friendly option is available in every area. Direct cremation is one option to consider, and we’ll walk you through all the details. Here’s how direct cremation works in California and its impact on our planet.
What You Need to Know About Green Cremation – California
- Direct cremation is considered eco-friendly because it involves minimal transportation, avoids embalming, and does not require a traditional casket, making it a less resource-intensive process.
- After direct cremation, families can choose environmentally friendly options for the final resting place, such as scattering ashes or using biodegradable containers for burial.
- Besides direct cremation, green burial options include green cemeteries, human composting, and alkaline hydrolysis (“water cremation”), though availability varies by region.
- While California offers various green cremation options, not all services, like human composting and alkaline hydrolysis, are available in every area, necessitating consultation with a funeral director for specific options.
What Is Direct Cremation?
In direct cremation, the body is removed from the place of death and transported to the cremation provider. After cremation, the cremated remains (or ashes) are returned to the family. The family then can make arrangements for a final resting place for their loved one’s remains.
Direct cremation is different from other forms of cremation because the body is not embalmed or prepared for viewing before the cremation process. Additionally, there’s no need for a traditional casket. Instead, families say goodbye to their loved ones at the place of death before the body is transported to the crematory.
Why Is Direct Cremation a “Green” Option?
Direct cremation is considered a green or eco-friendly option for several reasons.
Less transportation
With direct cremation, the body is transported once—from the place of death to the crematorium. For a traditional or green burial, the body must be transported multiple times—from the place of death to the funeral home. Then, (sometimes), the body is transported to a place of worship for the funeral service before being moved to the burial spot.
There’s no need for embalming
Embalming is the process of injecting chemicals into a body so that it can be placed in an open casket for a funeral visitation or wake. With direct cremation, there’s no need for embalming.
It’s an eco-friendly final resting place
There are many eco-friendly final resting place options, including scattering. Some opt for burial of the cremated remains in a biodegradable container—perhaps in a natural burial ground. It’s worth noting that urn burial may be available in a conventional cemetery near you. Still, you may have to purchase a non-biodegradable urn or place the urn in a vault before burial.
Other Green Burial Options Besides Direct Cremation
Other green burial options are available in addition to direct cremation. However, not all options are available in every area.
- Green burial cemetery: This burial option involves placing the body in a biodegradable casket in a green cemetery. Green burial cemeteries often do not allow traditional headstones, artificial flowers, or decorations on the grave. Learn more about green burials from the Green Burial Council website.
- Human composting: According to Recompose, human composting is available in Washington State, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, and Maine.
- Alkaline hydrolysis: Also called “water cremation,” this option is available in California. Of course, not all funeral homes offer this service.
Talk with a funeral director from Smart Cremation to learn more about green cremation options. Smart Cremation offers direct cremation services in California. Our care team will treat you and your loved one with respect and help you find the best choice for our future generations.
