In recent years, sustainability has become a top-of-mind concern for many consumers, and 62% of those surveyed say that they always or often look for sustainable products. This shift in mindset is affecting the funeral industry as well, which is now offering eco-friendly options for end-of-life.

While the most environmentally friendly solution is a natural burial, which uses a biodegradable shroud without embalming, the majority of people choose cremation as a sustainable option. While cremation does use energy and produce emissions, it uses far fewer resources than a traditional burial.

Why Many Families Choose Eco-Friendly Cremation in Rhode Island

Cremation reduces environmental harm in various ways, including minimizing carbon emissions and reducing energy use and waste. Greener alternatives offer families a way to create sustainable farewells and align end of life with their commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.

Compared to a traditional funeral and burial, cremation has a lower environmental impact when you consider:

• Energy consumption
• Carbon emissions
• Land use
• Material usage
• Environmental impact

Types of Eco-Friendly Cremation—Rhode Island Options

While cremation is an eco-friendly solution compared to a traditional funeral and burial, there are other ways you can reduce your environmental impact. Different approaches to cremation are emerging, such as:

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Also called aquamation or water cremation, this process uses water, heat, and alkali to accelerate natural decomposition, resulting in a liquid effluent. It consumes less energy than traditional cremation and avoids harmful emissions.

Note: While alkaline hydrolysis is legal in 26 states, it is not approved for use in Rhode Island. It is approved for use nearby in Connecticut and Vermont.

Green Flame Cremation

So-called “green flame” cremation reduces emissions by utilizing a chemical process rather than direct combustion. This process produces fewer pollutants and can be powered by renewable energy sources.

Electric Cremation

By shifting from gas to electricity, crematoriums can use renewable energy and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Whether or not you choose an eco-friendly option, you can create a more sustainable cremation by adopting a few practices:

• Choosing biodegradable urns made from material like bamboo or recycled paper that will naturally decompose
• Using plantable urns that contain seeds that grow into plants or trees
• Requesting energy-efficient services for transportation and cremation
• Creating living memorials like gardens or tree planting
• Using digital memorials to reduce resource use

Considerations When Choosing Eco-Friendly Options

There are a few challenges when you are looking for eco-friendly cremation in Rhode Island. While sustainable options are becoming more common, not all local funeral service providers and crematoriums provide these options. You will need to research local providers and ask about their sustainability practices.

For some families, cost is an issue as well. Sustainable options may be more expensive. In addition, there may be local laws governing certain types of cremation practices.

Another option for cremation in Rhode Island and surrounding states is donating your body to science and supporting sustainability. United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates body donations for science in the Rhode Island area, ensuring that donations are handled respectfully and ethically while benefiting medical research and education.

UTN is a non-profit organization that coordinates body donation, ensuring all legal and ethical standards are met while providing a way for donors to make a lasting impact. When you choose UTN for body donation, you get:

• Simple and Compassionate Registration: UTN makes it easy for individuals to pre-register for donations or for families to coordinate a donation at the time of passing. Caring donor coordinators provide guidance through every step, ensuring the process is smooth and respectful.
• No-Cost Cremation: After the donation process is complete, UTN provides free cremation services, relieving families of financial burdens while supporting a sustainable alternative to traditional practices.
• Transportation and Logistics: For residents in Rhode Island and nearby states, UTN coordinates transportation to ensure that remains are handled with the utmost care and dignity.
• Advancing Science and Medicine: Donated bodies are used for medical education, surgical training, and disease research, contributing to breakthroughs in healthcare and saving lives.

Whole body donation aligns with the values of individuals who want to leave the earth better than when they found it. This sustainable choice benefits the greater good and creates a meaningful, lasting legacy for your loved ones.

To learn more about whole body donation and free cremation in Rhode Island, contact United Tissue Network at 877-738-6111 or start the registration process online.