Is Water Cremation in Your Future?

In the 21st century, the citizens of planet Earth are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, particularly their carbon emissions in the form of CO2 and methane. But people are also becoming sensitive of their impact to the environment after death. How we dispose of human bodies is important. After all, we want to do it in a dignified and respectful manner that is consistent with spiritual beliefs. We also want to make sure that we aren’t harming the world in the process. Burial in graveyards uses precious land that could be used for other purposes. Cremation burns up a lot of fossil fuels and generates greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. This video explores an alternative means of human body disposition which is gaining popularity. Water cremation, also known as resomation, aqua cremation, aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, breaks down the tissues in the body with water. Water cremation involves placing the body of the deceased in a hot alkaline solution in a steel pressure tank. Water cremation consumes less fossil fuels than flame cremation. It is estimated to have 75% to 90% lower carbon footprint. All that’s left at the end of the process are white, sterile bones which can be ground up and given to the family or returned to the earth. Many states in the U.S. have enacted legislation authorizing the use of water cremation, and several other states are considering legislation to do so. Is water cremation in your future?