Aquamation vs. Cremation vs. Green Burial vs. Traditional Burial
When planning a funeral, both cost and environmental impact are important considerations. The arrangement options include traditional burial, cremation, green burial, and the more recent method of aquamation. Below is a breakdown of the costs for each, with prices presented in both U.S. dollars (USD) and Canadian dollars (CAD).
1. Traditional Burial
Traditional burial is the most expensive option. It usually includes embalming, a viewing or service, a casket, and the burial itself in a cemetery plot.
- Average Cost in USD: $7,000 – $12,000
- Average Cost in CAD: $9,450 – $16,200
- Breakdown (USD):
- Casket: $2,000 – $5,000 (CAD: $2,700 – $6,750)
- Burial plot: $1,000 – $4,000 (CAD: $1,350 – $5,400)
- Embalming: $500 – $1,000 (CAD: $675 – $1,350)
- Funeral service: $1,500 – $3,000 (CAD: $2,025 – $4,050)
- Grave marker: $1,000 – $2,000 (CAD: $1,350 – $2,700)
2. Cremation
Cremation is more affordable than traditional burial. Costs vary depending on whether there’s a funeral service, or whether it’s direct cremation (no service).
- Average Cost in USD: $2,000 – $7,000
- Average Cost in CAD: $2,700 – $9,450
- Breakdown (USD):
- Direct cremation (no service): $1,000 – $2,500 (CAD: $1,350 – $3,375)
- Cremation with service: $4,000 – $7,000 (CAD: $5,400 – $9,450)
- Urn: $50 – $300 (CAD: $68 – $405)
3. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an emerging method that uses water and alkali to break down the body. It has a lower environmental impact than flame cremation.
- Average Cost in USD: $2,000 – $4,000
- Average Cost in CAD: $2,700 – $5,400
- Breakdown (USD):
- Direct aquamation: $1,500 – $3,000 (CAD: $2,025 – $4,050)
- Urn: $50 – $300 (CAD: $68 – $405)
4. Green Burial
A green burial is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial, emphasizing natural decomposition without embalming and using biodegradable caskets or shrouds.
- Average Cost in USD: $1,000 – $4,000
- Average Cost in CAD: $1,350 – $5,400
- Breakdown (USD):
- Biodegradable casket or shroud: $100 – $1,000 (CAD: $135 – $1,350)
- Burial plot (conservation area): $500 – $3,000 (CAD: $675 – $4,050)
Direct Cremation vs. Direct Aquamation: A Cost Comparison
Direct cremation and direct aquamation are the least expensive funeral options because they exclude services such as viewings, embalming, or ceremonies. Here’s how they compare:
| Option | Cost in USD | Cost in CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,350 – $3,375 |
| Direct Aquamation | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,025 – $4,050 |
- Direct Cremation: This option provides cremation without any ceremonial services. The remains are usually returned to the family in an urn or another container. Direct cremation is often chosen for its affordability and simplicity.
- Direct Aquamation: Similar to direct cremation, aquamation is also available as a direct option, meaning no additional services. It is slightly more expensive than cremation but considered more environmentally friendly due to lower energy use and no CO2 emissions.
Cost Comparison Chart
| Funeral Option | Average Cost in USD | Average Cost in CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Burial | $7,000 – $12,000 | $9,450 – $16,200 |
| Cremation | $2,000 – $7,000 | $2,700 – $9,450 |
| Aquamation | $2,000 – $4,000 | $2,700 – $5,400 |
| Green Burial | $1,000 – $4,000 | $1,350 – $5,400 |
| Direct Cremation | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,350 – $3,375 |
| Direct Aquamation | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,025 – $4,050 |
Factors Affecting Funeral Costs
- Location: Funeral costs vary widely by state or province and city. Urban areas tend to be more expensive.
- Service Add-ons: Costs increase with services like flowers, a hearse, or a funeral director.
- Environmental Preferences: Aquamation and green burial appeal to those who want a lower environmental impact, but availability is limited in some regions.
Environmental Considerations
- Traditional Burial: High environmental impact due to embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and land use.
- Cremation: Moderate environmental impact, mainly through CO2 emissions from the cremation process.
- Aquamation: Minimal impact—90% less energy used compared to cremation, and no emissions.
- Green Burial: The most eco-friendly option, relying on natural decomposition and land conservation practices.
Conclusion
In terms of affordability, direct cremation and direct aquamation are the least expensive options. For those looking to minimize environmental impact, aquamation and green burial are both solid alternatives to traditional burial, with a more sustainable footprint and lower overall costs. Choosing between them depends on individual preferences, environmental concerns, and location.
