American Cremation Society

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a deceased person's body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning, usually between 1400°C to 1800°C. This ancient practice has been used for centuries, with evidence of cremation dating back to the Stone Age. Today, cremation is a popular choice for many, offering a more affordable, eco-friendly, and personalized alternative to traditional burial methods.

The cremation process typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The body is prepared for cremation, which may include washing, dressing, and cosmeticizing.
• Cremation: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to bone fragments and ash.
• Processing: The bone fragments are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.
• Return of ashes: The cremated remains are returned to the family, who can then choose to scatter, bury, or keep them in an urn.

The Benefits of Cremation

Cremation offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for many individuals and families. Some of the advantages of cremation include:

• Environmental benefits: Cremation is a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require land, embalming fluids, or caskets.
• Cost-effective: Cremation is generally less expensive than traditional burial, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, compared to $7,000 to $10,000 for a traditional funeral.
• Personalization: Cremation allows for a more personalized and intimate celebration of life, with options for customized urns, memorial services, and scattering ceremonies.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides flexibility in terms of timing and location, allowing families to hold a memorial service or scattering ceremony at a later date or in a different location.

Types of Cremation

There are several types of cremation, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some of the most common types of cremation include:

• Traditional cremation: This is the most common type of cremation, where the body is cremated in a casket or container.
• Direct cremation: This type of cremation skips the traditional funeral service, with the body being cremated shortly after death.
• Green cremation: Also known as bio-cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, this eco-friendly process uses a water-based solution to break down the body.
• Resomation: This type of cremation uses a combination of water and alkali to break down the body, leaving only bone fragments and ash.

Cremation and Funeral Services

While cremation is often associated with a more casual, low-key approach to death, many families still choose to hold a traditional funeral service or memorial ceremony. These services can be tailored to meet the individual's wishes and cultural traditions, and may include:

• Viewing or visitation: A time for family and friends to pay their respects and say goodbye.
• Funeral or memorial service: A ceremony to celebrate the life of the deceased, often including eulogies, music, and readings.
• Cremation ceremony: A special ceremony to mark the cremation process, often including the lighting of a candle or the playing of music.
• Scattering ceremony: A ceremony to scatter the ashes in a special location, such as a favorite park or beach.

Cremation and the Environment

The environmental impact of cremation is a growing concern, with many crematories and funeral homes looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Some of the eco-friendly initiatives in the cremation industry include:

• Energy-efficient cremation equipment: Modern cremation equipment is designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing the amount of fuel needed to cremate a body.
• Bio-cremation and resomation: These alternative cremation methods use less energy and produce fewer emissions than traditional cremation.
• Recycling of metals: Many crematories are now recycling the metals recovered from cremated remains, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
• Eco-friendly urns and containers: Funeral homes and crematories are offering more eco-friendly urns and containers, made from biodegradable materials or recycled materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation, answered by the American Cremation Society:

1. What happens to the body during cremation?

The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to bone fragments and ash.

2. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service if I choose cremation?

Yes, many families choose to hold a funeral or memorial service, even if they opt for cremation.

3. How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the body and the type of cremation equipment used.

4. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The ashes are returned to the family, who can then choose to scatter, bury, or keep them in an urn.

5. Is cremation more environmentally friendly than traditional burial?

Yes, cremation is generally considered a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require land, embalming fluids, or caskets.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

The American Cremation Society is committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the cremation process. Whether you're planning ahead or coping with a recent loss, we're here to help.

Explore our website for more information on cremation, funeral planning, and grief support. Reach out to our team of experts for guidance and advice. And connect with others who have experienced a similar loss through our online community forum.

Remember, you're not alone. The American Cremation Society is here to support you every step of the way.