Pros and Cons of Burial vs. Cremation
For those who have to lay their loved ones to rest, it is not an easy decision to choose between disposition methods while coping with the grief. We understand that this is not a simple task, which is why we have compiled a handy guide to two of the most common options – burial and cremation.
Cremation: Pros and Cons
Cremation is currently the most popular and least expensive method of disposition in the United States. There are many benefits as there are more options for handling and transportation of the cremated remains and it is generally a much cheaper option. On top of this, certain faiths like Buddhism and Hinduism will prefer to go through cremation.
However, it can be hard to imagine your loved one being incinerated, and once it is done, it isn’t possible to reverse the process. Generally, going through cremation will also mean that your loved one does not have a permanent resting place that you can physically visit.
Burial: Pros and Cons
Burials used to be the main method of disposition and has been used through human history. Even though they are not as popular nowadays, they are definitely still a preferred choice in the United States. One of the largest reasons for this popularity is because burial is an essential part of the funeral rites for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian believers. Many tend to believe that a burial is not only a more traditional method, but also a more respectful way to handle the body. More importantly, if circumstances change, the body can always be exhumed and cremated or handled in another manner.
However, a burial is definitely more expensive – costing around $11,000 on average without factoring in the price of a burial plot. More importantly, it can be hard to move a gravesite in the event of relocation. As the world is moving on to more sustainable practices, traditional burial options are definitely also not environmentally friendly due to the large amount of materials used to create the casket and burial vaults.
Natural Burials
An alternative that has been rising in popularity is natural burials. They are a return to the earliest forms of burial rites where the body is simply placed in a biodegradable shroud or casket without using the standard embalming fluids. Natural burials will generally take place in green cemeteries where protocols and regulations are put in place to ensure that the native plants and animals are protected, and sustainable practices are used. This allows the family to retain the benefits of a burial disposition method without worrying about the large environmental impact.
No matter which method of disposition you eventually decide upon, we understand that this decision is a hard one. Here at American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, we hope to emphasize that you are not alone during this process. Whether you choose to work with us on funeral planning so that you can take the time to grieve, or engage our online grief support, our team is here for you and your family. You can contain us at either (432) 563-9767 or send a message via our online form.
