People consider the cost and environmental impact of traditional cremations these days when planning for the funeral of their loved one or pre-planning their own. To understand the full-fledged impact traditional burials and cremation have on the environment, we must explore their shortcomings in detail and the proper solution to this issue.
Our planet was very different 5000 years ago when the Egyptians introduced the method of embalming into human civilisation. While embalming was considered a breakthrough and anomaly at that time, the same technique today is ruining the ecosystem.
Every year, gallons of carcinogenic embalming fluid seeps into the soil, causing tremendous pollution. On top of that, wood, steel, and cement used in traditional burials take up space and pollute the environment.
Traditional funerals and burials use a lot of natural resources and pollute the environment greatly. Keeping these things in mind, many are now opting for green burials in memorial gardens, a sustainable alternative to traditional burials.
When pre-planning your funeral, you might consider an eco-friendly cremation, which will provide you with an honourable farewell while protecting the environment.
Re-emergence and Popularity of Green Burials and Memorial Gardens
Green burials are not modern and can be found throughout human history. Earlier before technological innovation gained speed, most burials were considered eco-friendly. In the early ages, a grave was dug on the ground, and the body was placed in it wrapped within a natural shroud without using varnished caskets and cemented vaults.
“For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” – that was what happened. Apart from burials, cremations were also quite common. It was in the 1900s that the traditional burial we are familiar with was introduced in society. Traditional burials are far from sustainable – involving the usage of huge swaths of land, carcinogenic embalming liquids, and natural resources.
Amidst all this chaos, the demand for green burials has increased significantly, with memorial trees considered the most popular option. Cremation, followed by mixing human ash with soil to grow memorial trees, is the most popular memorial today worldwide. The low cost, minimal carbon footprint, flexibility, and ecological balance, makes it perfect for people looking for a sustainable alternative.
Turning Human Ashes Into a Tree – The Rise of Memorial Trees
Untreated human ash is unsuitable for plant growth due to its high pH level. Still, some companies have discovered innovative methods to unlock their nutrients.
With the help of these innovative technologies, the treated ash will be mixed with the soil so that the person’s energy gets to live on through the tree. The soil will foster the growth of a tree that will carry your loved ones’ memories and lineage for years to come.
The trees that grow from human ashes are known as memorial trees and are planted in memorial gardens. So, a memorial garden is your perfect resting place if you favour cremation.
Memorial gardens protect nature and ensure that the legacy of the person who passed away lives on for ages through the fruits, flowers, and new seedlings. It also gives family and friends something tangible to remember their loved ones. The memorial trees act as tombstones in these gardens.
Memorial trees are the perfect final resting place for people who want to complete the circle of life and return to earth. However, a part of their legacy would live on through the trees, and they would be a symbolic representation of the person.
How to Plant Memorial Trees for an Eco-Friendly Cremation?
Suppose you are looking for sustainable cremation and funeral through memorial forests. In that case, it is best to pre-plan the entire procedure. The first step is to search for a reputed memorial garden and physically visit it to see its compound, facilities, and overall vibe.
Given that it is a matter of life and death, it is important to like the grounds and the facilities. Once you finalise a memorial garden, you will be given a list of memorial trees to choose from. Now, just like humans, trees also have certain characteristics and symbolise certain qualities.
So, choose a tree you relate to or that holds special significance in your life. Now from here, there are two ways in which you can do the needful. First, you can plant the tree beforehand and watch it grow and flourish. After your death and cremation, the ashes will be treated organically and mixed with the soil underneath the tree. Or, you can choose your tree and provide standing instruction to plant it after your death once the ashes are integrated into the ground.
Memorial trees are living memorials where your family and friends can return from time to time to spend some time in peace, basking in the glow of lifetime memories.
Leave a Reply