The day is coming All Saintsa very important event in the calendar for all those who have said goodbye to their loved ones, a date to remember that repeats every November 1st.
This moment can also be celebrated in a more special way when we know that we did things right, that we buried a family member in a conscious, sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
And saying goodbye to loved ones also has an environmental impact, so this act too can be done in an ecological, quiet and special wayFor example, choosing a tree and a place that represents the person you are saying goodbye to for the last time.
Where is the most cremated
In this context, it is relevant to know that Spain is one of the 20 countries with the highest rate of cremations. According to data from the INE and with a report produced by the Funeral Services Association (Panasef) By 2025, nationwide cremations are estimated to exceed 60% on average. In recent years, some provincial capitals such as Malaga, Madrid and Seville have already exceeded 70% of cremations.
And, according to the latest study carried out by SigmaDos for the Funeral Services Observatory, 75.6% of the population, or three quarters, agree on the fact that cemeteries can be large parks open to the public, like an alternative space for walking, meditation and outdoor leisure, a more convivial space in which place the ashes in a natural environment.
In fact, even the ashes themselves have an impact on nature in their own way. When cremation takes place carbon oxides are emitteddioxins and other polluting agents. According to what little is known, the emissions of incineration Overall, national emissions are negligible (less than 1%).
Where to spread ashes
But you must always keep in mind that Spanish regulations stipulate that Is it legal to scatter the ashes of a deceased person in public places?but provided that it does not represent a danger to public health or violate local environmental legislation.
In this sense, it should be noted that the laws vary according to the autonomous communities and that Rules and restrictions can also be established in each municipality. which must be consulted before proceeding with the scattering of ashes.
Likewise, You can spread these ashes in a private placebut you must of course have permission from the owner of the land.
Inform yourself before
It is always essential to consult the corresponding regulations because under no circumstances can you spread the ashes of a deceased person and not have problems during this last farewell. There are certain requirements and restrictions that we must take into account:
- The ashes are not scattered directly but in a manner approved biodegradable container.
- I can’t scatter the ashes on public roads or in public parks.
- Is it possible to divide the ashes to distribute them in several different places.
- Unless local regulations state otherwise, It is permitted to spread ashes in natural spaces like the fields, the forest, the mountains or the sea.
Although in principle it is possible to spread the ashes of a family member or loved one in a natural space, it is essential, before doing so, You must apply for the corresponding permits.
Be careful with ashes in the sea
If you choose to scatter the ashes in the sea, mountain or any other environment natural, it is essential that the cremation urn is certified biodegradable. Otherwise, the impact of ashes on nature will be noticeable.
Or rather the imperishable materials which are abandoned alongside them in the natural environment. In the port of Barcelona More than 600 metal urns were collected. Ior the same thing that happened on the banks of the Guadalquivir River during its passage through Seville or around the village of El Rocío. Thus, some town halls have specifically prohibited its propagation in natural environments.
Regulations regarding the dispersal of burial remains at sea are stricter. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, approved the so-called Marpol Convention in 1983, in which human ashes are considered pollutants. For this reason, they must be dumped far from the coast. More precisely, about 3 miles (5 kilometers).
Penalties for scattering ashes
You can spread the ashes of a deceased person at the place of your choice, but provided you have the appropriate authorizations, not only when it comes to public spacesbut also when it comes to private spaces.
The best way to obtain these permissions is through a licensed funeral home, as they usually handle all legal procedures. We could also request this authorization ourselves, but in each case we would have to contact the competent body, so we must inform ourselves in advance.
Environmental protection regulations are very restrictive regarding the scattering of ashes in public places. If not done correctly, it could result in a serious ecological crimeas it is an unauthorized dumping of waste. This is sanctioned by a fine for scattering ashes in Spain of up to 750 euros.
Ecological alternative
In this sense, Recordarium, the Forest of Remembrance, was born two years ago under the name first legal and ecological alternative to the traditional columbarium, in Méntrida, 35 minutes from the Madrid capital.
It is the first created in a rustic space, which had to enlarge the land and It has more than 15 hectares for the memory of loved ones.
It’s a safe, legal and natural environment deposit the ashes from cremation which contribute to the reforestation of the space, a way of saying goodbye by completing the life cycle”, they add from Recordarium.
Choose a native tree
According to the company, “many families have already celebrated the farewells of their loved ones, plant on ashes that biodegrade in the earthdifferent types of trees, which will grow and bear fruit while being a symbol and memory of the deceased who rest at their feet, already integrated into nature.
Thus, during the last farewell, the ashes will give life to holm oaks, olive trees, vines, arbutus trees, willows, almond trees, pomegranate trees, elms… which will be planted near two lakes, a pasture and various plantations of native species. A whole scenario in which we can experience all the forms of farewell, religious or not, that families wish.
