Five Environmental Advantages of Direct Cremation

Cremation services in Portland, ME, rightly tout the affordability of direct cremation as one of the benefits of the body disposition method. But the advantages don’t end there. Direct cremation also offers several environmental benefits for anyone who is eco-conscious. 

That’s not to say direct cremation doesn’t release carbon emissions. But when compared to the popular alternative, traditional burial, it is miles ahead. 

We’ve compiled five ways in which direct cremation is a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial. 

There is no need for embalming 

Let’s start with the most significant ecological culprit of traditional burials, embalming fluid. Formaldehyde and other chemicals used to prepare and preserve the body are toxic to the environment. The US alone uses about 20 million liters of it every year. 

This is unnecessary with direct cremation. The body goes straight to the crematory and is turned into ashes. You don’t have to worry about harming the environment as a result of burying your loved one. 

Direct cremation conserves land 

Cemeteries and traditional graves in the US are running out of space as burial plots take up valuable land. 

What’s more, several caskets made from non-biodegradable materials and long-lasting hardwood take up space for years, limiting the amount of available space. 

On the other hand, direct cremation only leaves ashes that fit in small containers known as urns. You can choose to keep them in your home or inter them in a columbarium or the ground. 

Even if you opt for the latter, there are biodegradable urns, and urns require a significantly smaller space than a casket. 

Memorial options are biodegradable 

Beyond the burial, the ashes from direct cremation also lend themselves to eco-friendly memorial options. 

You can use a bio urn to hold the ashes and bury them in your backyard, or wherever is most fitting. 

Another option is to bury the ashes with a seed for a tree or flowering plant. It creates a permanent functional site where friends and family can visit and hang out. 

Ashes consume less energy to transport 

Compared to a full coffin, ashes in an urn require less energy to transport, especially if you have to travel a long distance to lay your loved one to rest. 

Plus, without having to worry about the body, you can choose a convenient location that cuts down on transportation. You can even avoid a central service altogether. 

No long term storage is necessary 



Cremating the body affords you a chance to save on energy used in refrigeration storage. 

Since direct cremation happens within 24-48 hours of death, funeral homes and cremation providers don’t have to worry about long-term storage. 

In all, direct cremation protects the ground from toxic substances, reduces energy consumption, and conserves land. 

Are you considering direct cremation for yourself or a loved one? You don’t have to wait. Cremation services providers in Portland, ME, like Cremation of Southern Maine, are on hand to make arrangements. Reach out to us by phone or online to set up a direct cremation without leaving your chair.