The power of trees

The CO₂ of cremation and how to offset it: Cremation is a popular choice for end-of-life care, but it's important to be aware of the environmental impact. As a fire-based process, every cremation emits carbon dioxide. The exact amount varies depending on factors like the type of machine and the type of casket, but sources calculate it to be between 268 lbs to 600 lbs (122 kg to 272 kg) of carbon dioxide produced per cremation. Trees are a powerful tool for offsetting carbon emissions. A mature tree absorbs between 22 lbs and 48 lbs (10 kg and 22 kg) of carbon dioxide each year. This means that planting a tree in your memory is a great way to give back to the environment and offset your carbon footprint.

If you're concerned about your carbon footprint after death, one option is to plant a memorial tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so planting a tree in your memory is a great way to give back to the environment and offset your carbon footprint. A memorial tree is planted for every cremation we perform, we have been working with One Tree Planted over the course of several years. To date One Treated Planted has planted over 92.7 million trees in more than 80 countries since 2014 and is one of the largest and most largest organizations of its kind.

Once mature enough it can offset the carbon emissions of the cremation in 5.5 to 27 years (depending on growing conditions and species). Some tree saplings are not mature enough to yet to be in contact with cremated remains due the pH, and so it’s important that the memorial tree is mature enough. This means that planting a tree in your memory is a long-term investment in the environment, and it's a great way to honor your loved one's legacy.

Here are some general factors that can affect how long it takes a memorial tree to offset the carbon emissions of a cremation:

  • The species of tree. Some tree species absorb more carbon dioxide than others.
  • The size of the tree. Larger trees absorb more carbon dioxide than smaller trees.
  • The growing conditions. Trees that grow in healthy conditions absorb more carbon dioxide than trees that grow in poor soil conditions.
  • The climate. Trees that grow in warmer climates absorb more carbon dioxide than trees that grow in colder climates.

With a little care and attention, your memorial tree will thrive for many years to come, absorbing carbon dioxide and providing beauty and shade for your community.

Read more about this topic:

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