The cremation rate in the United States was 54% in 2019, but it’s expected to jump to 79% by 2035. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that about 80% of Americans will choose cremation over traditional burials in the next twenty years. But why is this trend taking place? Why are traditionally preferred services declining in popularity, and why is cremation on the rise? This funeral home in Edison Park, Chicago is going to explain below.

Simplicity 

Cremation is a low-cost option that allows you to choose how your deceased loved one is memorialized. There is no need for a casket, funeral service, or funeral hearse. It does not demand the purchase of a burial site or a tombstone. You could even choose to get an urn made during the cremation process.

Flexibility

Because families lived together under one roof in the past, buying family plots in cemeteries was very common. However, people move around considerably more in modern society, and family members generally live apart. Even if a person decides to be buried in the family plot, there is no guarantee that their entire family will make it to the memorial or funeral at the same time. This will be heartbreaking for many family members who may be unable to attend the service.

Cremation services in Edison Park, Chicago allow the deceased’s friends and family to come together without any sense of immediacy. They also have more time to make decisions about scattering ashes, burial, and memorial site selection.

Efficiency

Dealing with a loved one’s end-of-life plans is one of the most stressful experiences for most people. Cremation services not only keep you at a distance from this emotional turmoil, but they also save you a lot of time. Your service provider handles all the formalities until the ashes are delivered to you, giving you more time to spend with bereaved family and friends.

Furthermore, because most families live apart today, it can be challenging to plan a timely funeral. It is sometimes easier to cremate your loved one and retain the ashes in a safe place for a future memorial service, for example. If you are in a unique situation, it might be helpful to discuss things with your local funeral home in Edison Park, Chicago before deciding on the best course of action.

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost of burial sites is growing at an alarming rate, and cemeteries are demanding exorbitant fees for simple burials. Statistics show that cremation is generally less expensive than burial. The average funeral cost in the US ranges between $7,000 and $12,000. On the other hand, the average cremation cost in the US ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, whereas direct cremation cost ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.

Lower Environmental Impact

People are becoming more conscious of the environment and are concerned about their carbon footprint considering global concerns such as tropical deforestation and climate change. Cremation seems to be a viable option for environmentally conscious folks currently.

Green Burial Council estimates that 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid (a concoction of formaldehyde, ethanol, and other organic liquids) spread carcinogens in the US soil every year. Furthermore, the caskets and concrete burial vaults decompose slowly and are damaging to the environment.

While cremation releases some greenhouse gas emissions, the impact on the environment is less severe. And with technological advancements, the carbon footprint of cremation is also lowering. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact your local funeral home in Edison Park, Chicago.

Looking for the Most Trusted Funeral Home in Edison Park, Chicago?

Are you looking to plan a cremation service for a loved one? If so, and if you’re looking for the most trusted funeral home in Edison Park, Chicago, the staff at Cooney Funeral Home is here to assist you. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about the cremation process. Contact us today at (847) 685-1002 to learn how we can help.