Cremation

Cremation is an increasingly popular method of body disposal. A more affordable alternative to other forms of disposal, the process reduces the amount of space and environmental impact needed for burial. Cremation also allows families to honor their loved ones in a meaningful way.

Eco-Friendly Option

Per body, cremation produces between 200-500 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. Emissions offset in about two to three months. This green option appeals to people concerned about the environment. On the other hand, a body which has been buried will take more than 50 years to decompose. After this period, all that will remain are mummified skin and tendons. The lengthy process involves more than 200 human bones. Also, the body contains a few trillion microbes, and as many as 37 trillion cells.

Process Explained

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to its basic elements through heat. It typically takes place in a crematorium using flames, at temperatures of about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. As the body is reduced to its essence, enveloped in flame, smoke will dissipate into the atmosphere leaving only ashes and fragments for proper disposal. This is the process:

1. Body identification
2. Procedure authorization
3. Body preparation
4. Positioning of body into the chamber
5. Finalizing the remains
6. Transferring the ashes

Reasons for the Trend

In America, people used to recoil at the thought of cremating a loved one. Many believed it to be distasteful to turn to cremation. But times have changed! In 2021, the North American cremation rate was 57 percent. By 2024, that number is projected to climb to 64.1 percent in America and over 80 percent in Canada! In California, where Foothill Funeral & Cremation is located, cremation is the final resting place of choice. We find that to be true in our funeral home, as well.

Direct Cremation

With direct cremation, the remains are transferred directly to a cremation center without a funeral service beforehand. This approach eliminates the need for a funeral service and a casket purchase. So, it is often the least expensive type of cremation. These typically don’t allow for a viewing, visitation, or wake. Most families who choose this will schedule a memorial service in lieu of a funeral for friends and family to pay their respects.

Liquid Cremation

As we discussed in a recent post, a new trend is Aquamation, which uses fluids rather than heat. The process is growing in popularity. We plan to offer it soon at our Glendora funeral home.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation  

Drop by our Glendora show room any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.