Can cremation be carbon neutral? The math on memorial trees
“Can you offset your carbon footprint after cremation?”
We were recently asked about creating a carbon-neutral memorial with cremation ashes. Can it be done? There are a lot of opinions on this—and there are a lot of factors to consider.
As the eco-conscious nerds we are, we started crunching some numbers. Here’s what we found.
The CO₂ of cremation
As a fire-based process, every cremation emits carbon dioxide. The exact amount of carbon dioxide emitted by a cremation varies—depending on factors like the type of machine and the type of casket. Sources calculate it to be between 268 lbs to 600 lbs (122 kg to 272 kg) of carbon dioxide produced per cremation.
Offsetting your carbon footprint
What is the best way to offset CO₂ emissions?
The first is with lifestyle changes. If you’re thinking about your carbon footprint after death, you’re probably already on this bandwagon. The next best is to plant (or preserve) trees—which pull in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. The good news is, with a bit of planning and the support of someone you trust, your remains can absolutely “carry the torch” once you’re gone.
The power of trees
This brings us to the question: how much carbon dioxide does a tree absorb?
Again there are important variables, like the species of tree and what size it is. Many biodegradable urns are designed for a seed or small sapling. In this case it will be a number of years (probably decades) before the tree reaches maturity and is effectively filtering CO₂. Studies show older trees absorb significantly more carbon dioxide. The best option for carbon-conscious people then, is to plant larger memorial trees or support the growth of an existing established tree.
With all this in mind, the data shows that a mature tree absorbs 22 lbs to 48 lbs (10 kg to 22 kg) of carbon dioxide each year.
Now, the math:
268-600 lbs (122-272 kg) CO₂ emitted, and 22-48 lbs (10-22 kg) absorbed
= 5.5 to 27 years
At maturity, a memorial tree can offset the carbon emissions of the cremation in 5.5 to 27 years (depending on growing conditions and species). Remember there are a lot of factors at play in this discussion. We like to simplify things as humans, but nature is dynamic and multi-dimensional so we end up with a range.
What else should you consider?
Planting a memorial tree with ashes gives your family and friends a place to visit and connect with you when you’re gone. Caring for the tree as it grows is also very therapeutic and emotionally meaningful. That said, sustainably spreading or scattering ashes at the base of an established mature tree will be more effective at offsetting carbon emissions. This means neutralizing the ashes first, by mixing with Let Your Love Grow® before scattering. Choosing your own tree in a Provincial Park, National Park, or your own private property also gives you a meaningful place to visit now, and share with your family or friends before you’re gone. Here are some guidelines on where we can scatter and spread ashes in Canada.
Our last request:
Do your research. Whatever type of memorial tree you wish for, we encourage you to do your research. Many products claim to grow trees from cremation ashes. Others claim to plant a tree on your behalf. Check their science. Check their process. Make sure you trust them and they’ve proven long-term results. For something so important, you should have the facts.
Knowing your final carbon footprint will make you surprisingly light, and will give your family a lasting legacy that’s true to your memory.
Read more about this fascinating topic, and check our sources at:
American Chemical Society, https://cen.acs.org/environment/Video-Cremation-burial-composting-Calculating/97/i41
One Tree Planted, https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-much-co2-does-tree-absorb
CBC, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/how-old-trees-help-climate-1.4252888
Barton Funeral, https://bartonfuneral.com/the-truth-about-green-cremation-burial-and-hydromation/