Cremation has been on the rise for some time now, and projections indicate that it will continue to become a more popular choice as time goes on. In fact, a report from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) suggests that the national cremation rate will climb to nearly 80% by 2035. One reason why more people choose cremation may be the flexibility that it provides for family members and loved ones. There are many ways to use cremated remains to memorialize loved ones, including options like having them incorporated into things like jewelry, tattoos, and even vinyl records. But one option that is sometimes overlooked is the option of scattering the ashes in a scattering garden — a garden specifically designed for the purpose of giving loved ones a place to scatter ashes. Take a look at a few benefits of choosing a scattering garden after cremation.

Choose the Garden You Like Best

One big drawback to traditional cemeteries is that they eventually fill up. There are only so many burials that can take place in one space. That means that even if a person has a strong preference for a particular cemetery, they may be shut out if there is just not enough room.

Scattering gardens, on the other hand, have much less rigid space requirements. In fact, many cemeteries have scattering gardens as well as burial grounds, so if a particular cemetery runs out of room for burials, a person who chooses cremation may still be able to use the scattering garden for that cemetery. This can help people who want their remains to be placed in the same resting grounds as other family members or loved ones.

Minimize Environmental Damage

Cremation is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than burial, which is among the many reasons that more people are choosing cremation. However, scattering ashes can still have an environmental impact. Cremains contain mercury and dioxins that can have a negative effect on soil and water. For this reason, in many places, there are local laws against scattering cremated remains in public spaces, and people who are concerned with their environmental footprint may not want their ashes scattered in places where they could cause harm, even if it's legally allowed.

Scattering gardens, however, are specifically designed to accommodate cremains and are carefully maintained in a way that's intended to alleviate the impact on the environment. This isolates cremated remains in a place that's safe for them to remain while still allowing loved ones to scatter them.

Experience Closure With Flexibility

One consequence of a global society is that it can be more and more difficult for families and loved ones to come together in times of mourning. A benefit of cremation is the flexibility that it allows since ashes can be retained in someone's possession as long as necessary and scattered, if scattering is desired, whenever loved ones are able to get together.

In some cases, it's simply impossible to get everyone who wants to be involved in the same place at the same time. Scattering gardens provide a place for loved ones to have multiple scattering ceremonies if desired. Ashes can be scattered a small amount at a time or even divided so that they can be sent to different family members or loved ones to be scattered in multiple scattering gardens. Mourners can have ceremonies in a beautiful and peaceful place, similar to the kind of burial ceremony that would be held in a cemetery but at whatever times and places are convenient for them.

If you're considering cremation for yourself or for a loved one, you'll have choices to make about how you handle the cremains. Your funeral director can explain your options and help you locate scattering gardens in your area if you're interested in that option.