Burials have long been the preferred way of laying someone to rest. However, cremation is quickly becoming a prevalent option. In the 1950s, around 4 percent of Americans chose cremation; it rose to 53.1 percent in 2018, with the Cremation Association of North America projecting it to hit 59.4 percent in 2023. Apart from being more affordable, it also allows secular Americans to choose a method that isn’t associated with any faith or religious group.
While it can be unpleasant to think about death, it’s important to decide how you would like to be laid to rest. If you’ve been thinking about the final disposition methods for when you or your loved ones pass away, here are four reasons to consider cremation over a burial:
They’re Great Options For the Religiously Unaffiliated
If you or your loved one do not belong to a faith or religious group or believe that you may change beliefs at some point, cremation is an excellent option to choose. Many funeral traditions originate from religion, particularly with burials, which many Americans prefer to distance themselves from if they are unaffiliated. In fact, in 2019, non-religious Americans make up 26 percent of the population, making them the second largest group after Christians at 65 percent. As this demographic is expected to grow, they choose more traditions, contributing to cremation’s increasing popularity.
They’re Better for the Environment
Families are also choosing cremation over traditional burials due to renewed concerns over the environment and land availability. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, more than half of all Americans who died in 2020 will be cremated. The association also predicts that by 2040, almost 80 percent of Americans will choose this over burials to preserve land. Others have pointed out that traditional burials contribute to carbon emissions, making cremation the more eco-friendly option.
They’re Flexible and Easier to Plan
Burials take a lot of logistics and effort to plan. They naturally come with time constraints that often leave family members and loved ones in a mad scramble to make sure they attend the memorial service before the body decomposes further. Luckily, this isn’t a concern with cremation; families can spend more time planning a service to honor their loved one’s life without having to rush. Given this flexibility, cremation presents a more attractive option, allowing families to grieve while preparing to lay their loved ones to rest.
They’re Easily Customizable
Lastly, cremation allows families to commemorate their loved ones in unique ways. For instance, you can have a custom-made urn that is designed with your family member’s personality. You can even use a loved one’s cremated remains in jewelry, vinyl records, send them to space, or scatter them over their favorite place. The possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
Cremation is more than just a trend; it offers a more personalized way to say goodbye to your loved one and honor the wonderful life they lived. With cremation costs in Jacksonville being significantly cheaper than burials, you’ll get to save money on interment expenses and spend it celebrating your memories with your loved one.
Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory offers affordable cremation services in Jacksonville, FL. We provide families with cost savings along with the convenience of making all their arrangements in one location. Celebrate your loved one’s heritage and life by contacting us today.
