Flame Cremation Isn’t Right for Every Family
Emotionally, flame cremation can feel abrupt, clinical, and detached. The process often takes place off-site, in an industrial facility, with little opportunity for families to participate in or witness the journey. For those seeking meaning, ritual, and a chance to say goodbye, the experience can feel incomplete
Did You Know: Not All Crematories Keep Pet Remains Separate
In the pet cremation industry, there is often a troubling lack of transparency. Some providers cut corners by performing communal or batch cremations, where multiple animals are cremated together. The result? Ashes can be mixed, and families may unknowingly receive a blend of remains—or none of their pet’s at all. This practice isn’t just heartbreaking—it’s deceptive. A 2019 investigative report by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) revealed that nearly 40% of pet crematories lacked clearly defined protocols to ensure individual pet identification throughout the cremation process
Cremation Can Feel Impersonal or Abrupt
Many families in the Fargo–Moorhead area report that flame cremation can feel cold, rushed, and transactional. Pets are sometimes taken away quickly, with little to no opportunity for ceremony, reflection, or even a final goodbye. This lack of ritual can leave pet parents feeling disconnected or emotionally unresolved.
Research from the American Psychological Association (APA, 2020) shows that rituals—no matter how simple—play a vital role in coping with grief.
Cremated Ashes Aren’t Good for Plants or Soil
Many pet parents dream of returning their beloved companions to the earth—scattering ashes under a favorite tree, in a backyard garden, or across the prairie. But few realize that cremated remains, despite being called “ashes,” are not soil-friendly.
Flame cremation doesn’t produce soft ash like a campfire. Instead, it creates bone fragments that are processed into a fine, chalky substance known as cremains. These cremains are highly alkaline
Cremation Relies on Fossil Fuels: A Cost We Can No Longer Afford
Flame cremation requires extreme heat—typically 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain these temperatures, crematories use significant amounts of non-renewable fossil fuels like natural gas or propane. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (2021), a single cremation consumes enough fuel to power the average home for 3 to 4 days. Multiply that across the country’s estimated 1.6 million pet cremations annually, and the environmental cost becomes staggering.
Cremation Emits Harmful Greenhouse Gases: A Hidden Cost of Saying Goodbye
Many families choose flame-based cremation without knowing the environmental costs. One of the most significant—and least discussed—issues is the amount of greenhouse gas released during the cremation process. Each flame cremation relies on extremely high temperatures, usually generated by burning natural gas or propane. According to research from the Funeral Consumers Alliance (2023), a single pet cremation can emit between 160–190 lbs of CO₂. Multiply that by the millions of pet cremations each year, and the environmental toll becomes clear.
Eco-Friendly Urns: Honoring Your Loved One While Caring for the Planet
One of the primary benefits of eco-friendly urns is the use of sustainable materials. Unlike traditional urns made from metal, wood, or ceramic, many eco-friendly urns are crafted from biodegradable substances like bamboo, cornstarch, recycled paper, or even natural salts
Choosing the Right Urn: Material, Style, and Personalization
When selecting an urn, the material is one of the most important factors to consider. Traditional urns are often made from materials like wood, metal, or ceramic, but for those concerned about the environment, there are greener options available. Biodegradable urns, made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled paper, or salt, are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing their environmental footprint (Funeral Consumer Alliance, 2018). These eco-friendly urns are ideal for water burials or natural burial sites, as they return the remains to the earth without harming the ecosystem.
A Brief History of Urns: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Memorials
One of the earliest known uses of urns dates back to the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE), where archaeological findings reveal that people from ancient China, Greece, and Rome used urns to hold cremated remains. In ancient Greece, urns, or lekythos, were used in funeral rites and often adorned with depictions of mourning scenes or mythological stories
The Environmental Impact and Health Concerns of Flame-Based Cremation
Flame-based cremation, while initially introduced as a sanitary alternative to burial, carries significant environmental and health concerns. The process involves burning the body at high temperatures, which releases harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury from dental fillings, and dioxins into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change. A single cremation can emit up to 400 kg of CO2, comparable to a 500-mile car trip
A Brief History of Flame-Based Cremation in America
Flame-based cremation, also known as traditional cremation, has a relatively recent history in America, with its roots in the late 19th century. The practice of cremation was introduced in the United States in 1876 when Dr. Julius LeMoyne, a physician and social reformer, built the first crematory in Washington, Pennsylvania. Dr. LeMoyne was influenced by growing concerns about public health
Understanding Your Pet Aftercare Options
Losing a beloved pet is never easy, and deciding how to care for them after they pass can be overwhelming. Understanding your options—cremation, burial, and aquamation—can help you make an informed decision that feels right for you and your pet.