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What We Are Doing

This is the anticipated death rate over the next two decades:

Conclusion
The average flame cremation uses fossil fuels to reach and maintain 1900°F for over
two hours. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), each
cremation will release the equivalent emissions of burning two tanks of gas in a typical
SUV. The challenge is that there are many variables with cremation- casket type, body
composition, clothing or casket contents. For example, what of the people who have a
funeral prior to cremation? If there was a viewing, or they are in a rental casket to go to
church, they will likely have been embalmed. If there was no viewing or embalming, they
may be wrapped in a plastic shroud, to reduce odour or stop potential leakage. As seen

in the data above, with the death rate steadily increasing BC, and more people choosing
cremation, our society’s way of approaching death is contributing an enormous amount
of emissions to the planet.

One of our goals is to spread awareness to the public. We understand that individuals
choose cremation for many reasons, and we can’t ignore the fact that it is often much
more affordable. There are emerging technologies such as Promession and Alkalyne
Hydrolysis which use other methods to reduce the body to bone matter, using as little as
1/20th the energy that a cremation requires. Perhaps in time, these will be introduced,
but for now they are prohibited in BC. In the meantime, one way we help reduce the
footprint for families that have chosen cremation is through our scattering garden. The
family can place their loved one to rest and plant a tree in their memory.

Page 18 - Preparing for Tomorrow - Heritage Gardens