Many of us will have a preference when it comes to being buried or cremated when we die.
For some the thought of being buried sends shivers down their spine, while for others it's all about returning to nature.
Cremation on the other hand can give people a sense of closure and a finality that holds some comfort. It also turns people off for the same reasons.
So what is the best way to go?
Fundamentally, there isn't a right or wrong answer. In most cases, practicality is what guides such a decision as well as religious beliefs and most importantly, a persons wishes.
Environmentally speaking, the subject becomes a little more complicated. Most would assume that a natural burial would be more environmentally friendly, however, this is not always the case.
When a person is cremated, their ashes are generally scattered or kept on the mantle piece and that is that.
When a person is buried however, what tends to happen is loved ones will visit the grave several times a year (you can see where this is going). The resultant combined carbon emissions over several years actually means that cremation is generally better for the environment.
Of course there are those who choose to be cremated and then have their ashes buried, which combines both scenarios, but at the end of the day I refer you back to my previous comment;
What matters most is the wishes of the person who's funeral you are arranging.
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