The array of choices for saying goodbye to a loved one has grown significantly over the past few decades. Choosing between traditional burial and cremation services in Westmont, PA, is no longer necessary — numerous other options are available, including green burial, mausoleum entombment, and natural burials. Each option offers its own set of benefits depending on individual wishes or beliefs. This article provides an overview of the various funeral arrangements available, outlining their respective advantages.

Green Burial

Another option available is green burial — burying a body without chemically treated embalming fluid or a non-biodegradable casket or vault. The body is laid in a simple, biodegradable casket, such as one made from cardboard, bamboo, or untreated wood, and interred in a natural setting filled with trees and vegetation. Through green burial, the body is returned to nature and can provide sustenance for other organisms.

Green burial offers numerous advantages over traditional funeral arrangements — primarily an ecologically friendly way of honoring the memory of your loved one. The body decomposes naturally without any added chemicals, so it does not pose any risk to the surrounding environment. It may even benefit it by creating nutrient-rich soils that support local wildlife. In addition to being an eco-friendly option, green burials also tend to be more affordable than other forms of funerary services as they require fewer materials and products.

Mausoleum Entombment

Another option available is mausoleum entombment — this involves the deceased’s body is interred in a large structure known as a mausoleum. Mausoleums can be community-based or family-oriented, allowing for a permanent memorialization of your loved one in an elegant, secure space. This type of entombment requires an outer burial container to hold the casket and can be constructed in various materials, including marble, granite, or bronze. Your funeral director will be able to provide more information about mausoleum entombment and the various structures available.

The primary advantage of opting for mausoleum entombment is its permanence and security — unlike other methods such as cremation or traditional burial, the location of your loved one’s remains will remain unchanged forever. Moreover, mausoleums offer a tranquil setting to honor the memory of your loved one, allowing you to visit the site without any concerns about maintenance or upkeep.

Cremation

One popular alternative to traditional burial is cremation. Cremation is considered a respectful way of honoring the memory of the deceased, offering both economic and environmental benefits over traditional burials.

The primary advantage of opting for cremation is its affordability — typically around one-third of the cost that would be incurred for a casket burial service with a graveside committal. Cremating the body also eliminates the need for a burial plot, other related charges, and expensive funeral flowers.

In addition to the financial savings associated with cremation, this form of disposition is also eco-friendly in nature. According to some estimates, cremating a body produces thirty percent fewer greenhouse gases than traditional burials do — this is mainly due to the lack of embalming fluids and casket materials that are used during grave burial services. Cremation services in Westmont, PA, offer an environmentally responsible way of honoring the memory of your loved one while also reducing environmental impact.