The good news is that, more and more people in India are choosing eco-friendly cremations over traditional open-wood pyre cremations but the number is still very very less. when a loved one passes away. But did you know that even though cremation is considered better for the environment, it still poses some challenges?

When we cremate a body, it requires wood from 4 tall mature trees that release pollution, accumulative loss of 25800 Crore liters of oxygen everyday, especially during open-air pyre cremations. This practice contributes to cutting down many trees and polluting nearby rivers. However, there are efforts to find better ways. In India, an organization called Mokshda Green Cremation System is using special structures that require less wood and create less pollution. They've already saved many trees and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

In the U.S., cremations happen indoors, causing a different set of environmental issues. One cremation releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment. There's a more environmentally friendly solution called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation. It's legal in some states and is better for the environment. This process uses water to dissolve the body, and the liquid left can be used as fertilizer. Unlike traditional cremation, it doesn't release harmful emissions into the air. Looking ahead, there are even more eco-friendly options. Washington State is starting a new method called natural organic reduction, where bodies turn into useful soil. This will be available from 2020. Another option is natural burial, where bodies decompose in the ground without harmful chemicals or materials.

It's essential to encourage people in India to consider these eco-friendly options when someone passes away. While there are positive steps like those taken in Washington State, it's also worth mentioning alternatives like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cremations. These use a cleaner fuel source and can significantly reduce pollution. Let's make choices that are kinder to the environment when bidding farewell to our loved ones.

Source: NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC