Burial & Creamation are not your only options!

When it comes to body disposition, I’ve found that many people think the only choices are burial and cremation. However, as society becomes more eco-conscious and open minded to diverse end-of-life practices, alternative options are gaining popularity. These methods not only offer different ways to honor loved ones but also align with various values, from environmental sustainability to personal beliefs. Let’s explore some of the innovative and meaningful alternatives to traditional burial and cremation. Look out for future blogs to get a deeper dive into these methods, but for times sake, this blog is just a general overview!

1. Aquamation (Water Cremation)

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, aquamation is a process that uses water, heat, and alkali to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body. Unlike traditional cremation, which uses high heat, aquamation is a gentle, eco-friendly process that reduces the body to bone fragments, which can then be returned to the family in an urn. The remaining liquid, rich in nutrients, can be returned to the earth, making it a green alternative to cremation.

2. Natural or Green Burial

A natural or green burial emphasizes simplicity and environmental responsibility. The body is placed directly into the earth in a biodegradable casket / shroud, without the use of embalming fluids or concrete vaults. This method allows the body to decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting new life. Green burial grounds typically resemble nature preserves, providing a peaceful, natural setting for the final resting place.

3. Recomposition (Human Composting)

Recomposition, or human composting, is an innovative method where the body is transformed into soil over several weeks. The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa, and naturally occurring microbes break it down into nutrient-rich soil. Families can use this soil to plant a tree or garden, creating a living memorial that contributes to the environment.

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4. Promession

Promession is a process that involves freeze-drying the body using liquid nitrogen, making it brittle. The body is then vibrated into small particles, which are freeze-dried and turned into powder. This powder can be placed in a biodegradable container and buried, where it will decompose naturally. Promession is another eco-friendly option, as it avoids the use of harmful chemicals and minimizes environmental impact.

5. Mushroom Burial Suit

A mushroom burial suit is a unique option that involves dressing the body in a suit embedded with mushroom spores. The mushrooms help decompose the body while neutralizing toxins, returning the body to the earth in a way that enriches the soil. This method not only provides an eco-friendly burial option but also offers a symbolic connection to the cycle of life and death.

6. Space Burial

For those who’ve always dreamed of reaching the stars, space burial is an extraordinary option. A small portion of cremated remains is sent into space, where it can either orbit the Earth, travel deeper into space, or return to Earth’s atmosphere as a shooting star. Space burial is a way to memorialize a loved one in the vast expanse of the universe, offering a celestial farewell.

7. Eternal Reefs

Eternal Reefs combine cremated remains with environmentally safe cement to create artificial reefs that are placed in the ocean. These reefs provide habitats for marine life and help restore fragile ecosystems. Loved ones can visit the reef and participate in memorial ceremonies, knowing that their loved one’s remains are contributing to the health of the ocean.

8. Cryonics

Cryonics is the process of freezing the body at extremely low temperatures in the hope that future medical advancements will make it possible to revive the person. While this option is more speculative and not widely accepted, it represents a futuristic approach to body disposition.

Conclusion

The options for body disposition are ever expanding beyond the traditional methods of burial and cremation. These alternatives offer unique ways to honor the deceased while considering environmental impact, personal beliefs, and the legacy they leave behind. As we explore these new possibilities, it’s important to choose the option that resonates most with our values and the way we want to be remembered.