Choosing how to handle end-of-life arrangements is a deeply personal decision, and the financial aspect is often a significant consideration. Green burial and cremation are two increasingly popular alternatives to traditional burial, each with its own associated costs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the price differences, highlighting factors that influence the overall expense and helping you make an informed choice.
What is a Green Burial?
Green burial, also known as natural burial, focuses on minimizing environmental impact. This means foregoing embalming, using a biodegradable casket (or shroud), and foregoing the use of a concrete vault. The body is placed directly in the ground, allowing for natural decomposition and returning nutrients to the earth.
What is Cremation?
Cremation involves reducing the body to ashes through intense heat. The resulting ashes (cremains) can then be kept in an urn, scattered, or placed in a columbarium (a structure containing niches for urns).
Cost Comparison: Green Burial vs. Cremation
The cost of a green burial versus cremation varies significantly depending on several factors. Let's break down the key cost components:
Green Burial Costs:
- Funeral Home Fees: These fees can include services like transportation of the body, arranging the burial, and obtaining necessary permits. These costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the services selected and the location.
- Casket/Shroud: Biodegradable caskets or shrouds are typically less expensive than traditional caskets, but prices still vary based on material and craftsmanship. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Burial Plot: The cost of a burial plot at a green burial cemetery can vary greatly depending on location and the cemetery's policies. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Opening and Closing Grave: The cost of preparing the grave for burial and then closing it afterwards is another factor.
Overall, a green burial can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the aforementioned factors.
Cremation Costs:
- Cremation Fee: This fee covers the cremation process itself, which typically ranges from $800 to $3,000 depending on the location and the crematory's services.
- Funeral Home Fees: Similar to green burials, funeral homes charge fees for services such as transportation, paperwork, and arrangement of the cremation. Costs can be a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Urn: Urns range widely in price, from inexpensive to very elaborate and costly options. Costs can range from $50 to several thousand dollars.
- Viewing/Memorial Service: If a viewing or memorial service is desired, this will add to the overall cost.
Overall, the cost of cremation can range from $1,500 to $7,000 or more depending on the chosen options.
Factors Influencing Cost
Several factors beyond the basic services can significantly impact the total cost of both green burial and cremation:
- Location: Costs vary geographically. Urban areas tend to have higher costs for land and services.
- Funeral Home Selection: Funeral homes have different pricing structures. Shopping around for quotes is crucial.
- Additional Services: Things like embalming (not allowed in green burial), memorial services, transportation, and customized urns add to the overall expense.
What is the average cost of a green burial vs. cremation?
While pinpointing an exact average is difficult due to the wide range of factors involved, generally speaking, cremation tends to be slightly less expensive than a green burial in many areas. However, the difference can be minimal, and the ultimate cost depends heavily on the choices made regarding services and products.
Is green burial cheaper than cremation?
Not necessarily. While often associated with a simpler, less expensive process, the cost of green burial can sometimes be comparable to, or even exceed, the cost of cremation depending on location and choices of casket or shroud, and the selected cemetery.
Which is more expensive, green burial or cremation with a viewing?
A cremation with a viewing will almost always be more expensive than a basic green burial due to the added costs of embalming (often required for viewings), the funeral home's services for the viewing, and potential costs for a casket (even if only used for viewing purposes).
Conclusion
The choice between green burial and cremation involves not only financial considerations but also personal values and beliefs. Carefully researching costs in your area, comparing quotes from different providers, and understanding the various options available are essential steps in making an informed decision that aligns with your wishes and budget. Remember to contact local funeral homes and green burial cemeteries to obtain accurate pricing information tailored to your specific needs.
