One of the reasons that some people ask to be cremated is that they appreciate the environmental benefits of doing so. Whereas a burial can have negative environmental repercussions because it puts chemicals into the ground, cremation is often touted as environmentally friendly. When you're laying out the plans for how your cremated remains will be scattered by your loved ones, you should endeavor to make this ceremony as environmentally friendly as possible, too—the last thing you want is for this service to negatively impact the environment more than necessary. Here are some ideas to note in your funeral planning documents.

Find A Local Place

There may be several different locations that you're considering for having your cremated remains scattered, but it's useful to think about a local place if you're concerned about the environment. For example, if you favor a place that's an hour away from where your loved ones will pick up your cremated remains, several people may have to drive—and burn fossil fuels—to reach that location. This might seem like a small thing, but if the environment is a big topic to you, selecting a local place for the scattering ceremony is better on the environment.

Don't Release Harmful Objects

Sometimes, people release different objects when the scatter the cremated remains of their loved ones, but doing so isn't necessarily environmentally friendly. For example, some people favor releasing some balloons—a nice gesture, but the balloons will eventually pollute wherever they land, and they may be disruptive to animals or fish, too. If you want family members releasing something in your honor, make sure that it's biodegradable, such as flowers.

Encourage Environmental Donations

If you expect that your ceremony will be heavily attended, you should make some concessions for what people can contribute instead of flowers. For example, many people will show up with flowers to lay on the ground or the water after your cremated remains are scattered. While a few blooms can be nice, the surplus of flowers isn't necessary for many people. You could stipulate in your obituary that you wish for people to make a donation to a local charity instead of contribute flowers. For example, you might list a charity that plants trees in your community, or you could list any national charity dedicated to improving the environment. By making these plans in advance, you'll feel good knowing that your cremation will be in alignment with your environmental values.