Nearly 62% of families now choose cremation for end-of-life arrangements, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, and that number is expected to continue to rise. The trade association projects that cremation rates will increase to more than 82% by 2045.
“There’s no doubt that funeral service is evolving at a rapid pace,” said NFDA President Dutch Nie.
In Arizona, cremation occurs even more frequently. Already, about seven in ten families choose cremation rather than burial. In Phoenix, cremation is the preferred option.
Why Cremation in Phoenix Is Becoming More Popular
Here are just a few of the reasons why cremation in Phoenix has become more common.
Cost Considerations
One of the primary reasons cremation has gained popularity in Phoenix is its affordability compared to a traditional burial. A full-service funeral with a burial, casket, and cemetery plot can cost thousands of dollars—more than $8,000 on average. In contrast, direct cremation without a formal service or viewing costs significantly less. You can often find direct cremation online in the Phoenix area for under $1,000.
Environmental Concerns
Traditional burials require embalming chemicals, caskets made from non-biodegradable materials, and land for burial plots. With rising interest in eco-friendly alternatives, cremation in Phoenix offers a more sustainable alternative.
Arizona faces ongoing concerns about land and water conservation, and many families choose cremation to reduce their ecological footprint. While cremation does use electricity, overall consumption is far less than for a traditional funeral and burial. Using a biodegradable urn or scattering the remains can also lessen the environmental impact.
Fewer Religious Prohibitions
Cultural and religious views on cremation have also shifted. Most major religions now accept cremation or even endorse it.
The Catholic Church removed its prohibition on cremation and now allows it as long as the remains are handled a certain way. Other religious groups that accept cremation include:
- Baptists
- Methodists
- Lutherans
- Buddhists
- Hindus
- Reform Judaism
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
Demand for Simpler Ceremonies
Modern families are increasingly looking for less formal and more personalized services. Cremation provides more flexibility. This might mean a gathering at a home or park to celebrate a loved one’s life, an online tribute, or a scattering ceremony at a meaningful location in picturesque Arizona.
More Diverse Family Locations
Families today are also spread out across the country. They may not be available to travel quickly when someone passes away. Cremation allows for scheduling a ceremony when it’s more convenient.
Families may not be able to visit gravesites regularly due to distance. Cremated remains let you keep loved ones nearby regardless of where you live, especially in cities like Phoenix, where many residents have moved from other states.
An Alternative: Whole Body Donation with Free Cremation in Phoenix
You have more options than just burial or a Phoenix cremation.
Whole body donation makes an important contribution to the advancement of medical science, research, and education. When you or a loved one passes, the donor body can help medical students learn anatomy, help surgeons practice life-saving techniques, and allow scientists to test therapies and medical devices—all with the goal of improving the quality of life for others.
United Tissue Network (UTN) has helped about 12,000 families make this valuable contribution. UTN pays for all of the costs associated with the body donation, including cremation at a licensed facility after research has been completed. Cremated remains can be returned to the family upon request or disposed of in an ethical manner.
UTN is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Arizona that focuses solely on body donations for medical science. Accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), UTN adheres to the highest ethical standards and treats all donors and families with dignity and respect.
Register to Become a Whole Body Donor
You can register to become a whole body donor in Phoenix and create a lasting legacy for your family, providing your loved ones with peace of mind in knowing that you are helping improve healthcare for future generations.
You can pledge yourself or help a loved one register online by filling out a brief form and providing some medical history. A Donor Coordinator will then contact you to complete the process and answer any questions you may have.
Most adults are eligible as long as they do not have an infectious disease such as HIV/AIDs or hepatitis, which might compromise the safety of researchers, scientists, or medical students. UTN requires donated bodies to be at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit.
Contact United Tissue Network at (877) 738-6111 to learn more about whole body donation and free cremation in Phoenix.
