What are the Disadvantages of Cremation Services? – Roseville, CA

Cremation is a process of reducing a corpse to ashes and bone fragments through the use of fire. This method of disposition has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional burial. While cremation has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider.

Except for those that have found environmentally-friendly alternatives, the following applies to all cremation services in Roseville, CA, and beyond.

1. Cremation is not right for everyone.

In some religions, cremation is forbidden due to the belief that the body is a temple of the soul and should not be destroyed. Other religions believe that cremation prevents the soul from reaching the afterlife. So, if you have religious objections to the process, it is not an option for you.

2. Cremation is a final decision.

Once you or your loved one is cremated, there is no turning back. While it’s human to make mistakes in decision-making, it’s not an option when it comes to a loved one’s body. There will be no next time for a dead body once it’s reduced to ashes.

Make sure to discuss your wishes with your family and make sure everyone is on the same page.

3. Cremation can cause a social or psychological impact on the family.

The process can be difficult to watch and can be very stressful for the family and friends of the deceased. It can also be difficult to cope with the fact that the body is reduced to ashes.

4. Cremation can be expensive.

While the initial cost of cremation may be lower than a traditional funeral, additional costs are often associated with things like urns and scattering of ashes. If these costs are added up, cremation becomes more expensive than a traditional burial. Also, in some areas, cremation may not be covered by insurance.

5. Cremation requires planning ahead.

If you wait until you or a loved one dies to make arrangements, you may not be able to get the cremation you want. You also need to make arrangements with a cremation provider. So if you wait until the last minute, you’ll just have to make do with the best a funeral home can provide.

There’s wisdom in planning ahead. Start by planning your funeral services, then cremation if you wish.

6. Cremation may not be available in certain locations.

Depending on local laws, some places may not offer cremation services. Some cremation facilities may only operate within a certain radius of a major city, while others may only service rural areas. Additionally, some funeral homes may only cremate human remains if the deceased was a resident of the funeral home’s service area.

7. Cremation services can release harmful toxins into the environment.

The cremation process requires a significant amount of energy and emits harmful pollutants into the atmosphere including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, and mercury. These pollutants can contribute to air pollution and climate change.

While the emissions from a single cremation are relatively small, the cumulative effect of all cremations can be significant. In addition, many people choose to have their ashes scattered or buried in the ground, which can also lead to the release of these pollutants into the environment.

The good news is, more and more funeral homes are discovering or adopting green cremation options that use less energy and release fewer pollutants. With some sleuthing, you may also find Roseville, CA cremation services providers that currently offer ecologically-friendly alternatives.