Cremations have passed traditional burial in popularity. The practice now accounts for more than 50% of the end-of-life preferences in the United States, and it’s expected to continue to rise to 80% by 2035. This rise is due to the unique benefits cremation provides for the deceased and their families. If you’re pre-planning your service, knowing why others have chosen it can help you make your own decision. 

What Are the Benefits of Cremation?

1. Cost

Traditional burials are poignant ceremonies that help loved ones honor the deceased. However, they typically entail purchasing a burial plot, a casket, and a gravestone. 

There are ways to have an affordable burial, such as by choosing a relatively simple casket made of pine wood or by making pre-planning arrangements well in advance. Still, many individuals prefer cremation for its comparative cost-savings. 

2. Flexibility 

Cremations offer more options in terms of how you would like to lay your loved one to rest. If you want a place to visit, you can still bury the ashes with a headstone or inter them in a columbarium.

You can keep the urn at home or scatter the ashes somewhere meaningful to the family, such as under a beautiful old tree in the backyard. You could also have the ashes made into keepsake jewelry, so you can carry a reminder of your loved one with you at all times. 

3. Eco-Friendly

Whether cremation or burial is more environmentally friendly is a matter of some debate. Traditional burials require land that could be put to other uses, and natural resources are needed to make caskets. Many individuals are also worried about the impact of embalming fluids on the earth. Their use may be optional in some circumstances, so talk to a funeral director if this is a concern. 

Cremation has its own ecological footprint. However, the fairly minimal environmental effects can be further offset through the purchase of carbon credits or another positive action, such as planting a tree. 

The caring professionals at Adzima Funeral Home will gladly answer all of your questions about funerals and cremations in Stratford, CT. This family-run funeral home has been a part of the community for over 100 years, and their attentive staff members are on call around the clock to help. Learn more about their cremation packages on their website and call (203) 375-2200 to talk.