Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, Inc. - Bronx, NY

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The Environmental Impact of Cremation

Whether for personal beliefs or cost considerations, a growing number of people are choosing cremation service in Bronx, NY. However, when deciding between burial or cremation, many fail to consider the environmental impact of their choice. This article will delve into the impact of cremations on our environment and underline the significance of responsible decision-making.

The Rise of Cremation

With factors such as religious flexibility, simplicity, affordability, and space efficiency, cremation has seen a sharp rise over the years.

The Environmental Cost of Cremation

Primary among the environmental concerns of cremation is the significant energy use and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, harmful pollutants such as mercury—most of which comes from dental fillings—are emitted during the process.

Mercury Emissions and Their Effects

Mercury emissions from crematoria have severe repercussions. Once expelled, atmospheric mercury is transported and deposited globally, contaminating ecosystems and infiltrating our food chains. The hazardous impact on wildlife and human health makes this a significant environmental issue.

The Carbon Footprint and Alternatives

The disproportionately high carbon footprint left by cremation calls for exploration into eco-friendlier alternatives. While the adoption of these alternatives is at its nascent stage, they present a promise to lessen the environmental damage otherwise caused.

Green Cremation: A Sustainable Alternative

An innovation in the funeral industry is the advent of green or bio cremation that uses a water and alkali solution, reducing the body into ashes without significant emissions. Alkaline hydrolysis, as it’s scientifically known, could become a common practice in the coming years.

Lowering the Environmental Impact

Being aware of the environmental impact of cremations moves us a step closer towards reducing it. Preferred options include green burials, promoting the use of emission-capturing devices in crematoria, and advocating for regulations to make cremation more ecologically sound.

Concluding

The choice of cremation service in Bronx, NY, and beyond requires not only careful thought towards the memory of deceased loved ones but also towards the future of our natural world. We at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, Inc., understand that our responsibility extends beyond providing quality funeral services. Our commitment to focusing on the environmental footprint of our actions and promoting sustainable alternatives resonates with those who recognize the environmental implications of traditional cremation.

In our continuous effort to contribute to a more sustainable future, Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, Inc. offers cremation services, helping families navigate their path. Even during this most difficult time, one's final farewell can reflect love and respect not only for the departed but also for the planet we share and the generations to follow.

Let us honor our loved ones and the life that continues, mindful that the legacy we leave behind is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment.