Cremation vs Burial: Full Guide In Australia
Here we will explain further the comparisons of cremation vs burial. Cremation involves transforming the body to ashes through high-temperature burning, typically cremation costs between $8,000-$11,000, while burial is placing the body in a casket and resting it in the ground, usually the cost of burials are from $15,000-$19,000. Cremation offers more flexibility in memorialization and requires less land use, but may raise environmental concerns due to emissions. On the other hand, burial provides a physical place for loved ones to visit and aligns with many cultural and religious traditions, but uses more land and non-biodegradable materials. Both options have environmental impacts, with cremation releasing about 160kg of carbon dioxide and burial potentially harming soil health over time. Ultimately, the choice between cremation vs burial depends on personal beliefs, cultural factors, budget constraints, and environmental considerations.
Lets learn more about cremation vs burial, including the pros and cons, the processes, costs, environmental impacts, and cultural considerations of both options.
Key Insights
Cremation is becoming more popular in Australia, with more than 70% of funerals now cremation.
The typical cost of cremation funeral ($8,000-$11,000) is significantly lower than typical burial ($15,000-19,000). – Gathered Here
Religious and cultural factors of people and family affect much on which option is chosen.
High impactful alternatives like Living Legacy Tree provide the best option for its meaning, impact, and price.
The Cremation Process In Australia
Cremation is the disposal of a dead person’s body by burning it to ashes, typically after a funeral ceremony. (Oxford Dictionary). Here’s a brief overview of the process:
1. The body is prepared and placed in a cremation chamber
2. Burning to the body takes place with temperatures reaching 1,400-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit
3. The burning process takes 1-3 hours, depending on body size
4. After that, the remains will be cooled and further processed.
5. Ashes then are returned to the family in an urn or container typically weighing approximately 3 Kg.
Pros of Cremation
1. More affordable than traditional burial. The average cost of cremation ($3513 but does not include services) is significantly lower than average burial ($11,000-$19,000)
2. Various kinds of memorialization options for the ashes
3. You can have the remains of your loved ones close to you, always
Cons of Cremation
1. Some family members may be uncomfortable with the process
2. Both cremation and burial create an estimated 160kg of carbon dioxide impact, this can be offset by planting a single Living Legacy Tree
3. Potential environmental concerns due to emissions
4. The remains can harm the environment if directly scattered without ash treatment using the Living Legacy treatment. Because untreated ashes contain pH which is the same as bleach and oven cleaner .
The Burial Process In Australia
Traditional burial involves several steps:
1. Body preparation (washing and disinfecting)
2. Embalming (if you choose a service that has this)
3. Your loved one will be dressed and be given make up then be rested inside a casket
4. Funeral service where this event commonly takes place at the funeral home, a church, or at the graveside. It can include music, the reading of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayer, and the singing of hymns.
5. Going to the burial site
6. Burial of your loved one inside the casket
Pros of Burial
1. Provides a physical place for loved ones to visit, but if it’s in a traditional cemetery, does not give much opportunity for warm gatherings among family. A Tree burial is a great option.
2. Traditional burial fits more with many cultural and religious traditions
3. Also has various options for personalization of casket, headstone, and burial site
Cons of Burial
1. Generally more expensive than cremation
2. Cemetery rules may limit choices of memorialization, ways to connect and gather with your loved ones
3. Requires more land use and the wood used for coffins increases your carbon footprint
4. The non-biodegradable material and untreated human remains, after a certain long period, will harm the soil health, trees and nature around the burial site
Cost Of Cremation Vs Cost Of Burial In Australia
One of the most important factors in the decision to cremate or bury is cost. Here’s a breakdown of average costs in Australia:
Cremation Costs
1. Basic cremation: $1,000 – $4,000
2. Cremation with viewing and funeral: $6,970 (median)
Burial Costs
1. Basic burial: $9,000-$19,000 (typical, including vault, service and funeral)
2. Additional costs may include:
Casket: $2,500+
Grave plot: $1,100 – $4,000+
Headstone: $1,500 – $2,000+
Service $4,000+
Environmental Considerations of Cremation Vs Burial
Here are the environmental impact of cremation vs burial:
Cremation
The process releases an estimated 160kg carbon dioxide which can be offset by planting a single tree.
But requires less land use than burial
The remains can harm the environment if directly scattered without ash treatment using the Living Legacy Liquid. Because untreated ashes contain high PH and alkaline.
Burial
Traditional burials use non-biodegradable materials and embalming chemicals that harms the soil and trees around the burial site
It takes up significant land space
The non-biodegradable material and untreated human remains, after a certain long period, will harm the soil health, trees and nature around the burial site
Cultural and Religious Factors Of Cremation Vs Burial
Religious and cultural beliefs often play a crucial role in the decision between cremation and burial:
Catholicism: Now allows cremation
Islam: Forbids cremation
Hinduism and Buddhism: Often require cremation
Judaism: Traditionally prefers burial, but some now accept cremation
The Best Option: A Living Legacy Tree
This blends memorialization, a permanent protected space for connection amongst your loved ones, and gives life to our nature. Also it treats ashes into nutrients that trees and soil love!
What is a Living Legacy Tree?
A Living Legacy Tree is a tree planted in soil that has been infused with the treated ashes of a deceased person or pet. The ashes are treated to neutralize their pH and salt levels – known to cause trees harm.* Instead, the ashes become an incredible nutrient for growing trees, transforming death into life by means of nature.
Key Benefits of Living Legacy Trees
1. Become a living tree in the afterlife instead of a still and cold tombstone
2. Eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or ash scattering
3. Creates a lasting, growing memorial and resting place for your loved one
4. Provides a meaningful place for loved ones to visit and reflect
5. You can combine multiple family members’ ashes in one tree at Mornington Green
How to Make The Best Decision Between Cremation Vs Burial Vs Living Legacy Tree
When choosing between all these options, consider:
1. You and your loved one’s personal beliefs and values
2. Religious or cultural traditions of your family
3. Budget of your end of life planning
4. Environmental concerns, such as untreated ashes, non-biodegradable materials, and carbon footprint.
5. Your family preferences
6. How you and your loved one wants to be memorialized.
