Exploring the Benefits of Water Cremation
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, is gaining popularity as a sustainable method of body disposal. This process involves using a heated, alkali-water-based solution to break down the body into its basic components, reducing it to bones. The bones are then crushed and returned to the family in an urn. Additionally, a nutrient-rich residual fluid is produced, which can be released into the wastewater treatment system or used as fertilizer on personal gardens and conservation land.
Environmental Considerations and Economic Advantages
One of the key benefits of water cremation is its positive impact on the environment. Compared to traditional burial and cremation methods, alkaline hydrolysis is significantly better for the environment. It avoids the release of harmful airborne emissions produced by cremation, such as nitrogen oxides and mercury. Furthermore, it offers a solution to the issue of diminishing land space for future burials.
In terms of cost, alkaline hydrolysis is comparable to cremation, making it an economically viable alternative. The process does not require significant changes to the desired funeral service of the deceased, and the timeframe for completion is similar to that of cremation. These economic and practical similarities to cremation make water cremation an attractive option for those seeking a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
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Enhanced Choice and Personal Values
Another significant benefit of water cremation is the widening of choices available for body disposal. By introducing alkaline hydrolysis as an option, individuals have the opportunity to align their funeral choices with their personal values. The process allows for a more natural and gentle way of handling the deceased, which may resonate with those who prioritize environmental sustainability and nature-friendly practices.
Furthermore, water cremation provides a unique opportunity for families to receive remains in situations where traditional cremation may not be able to offer the same assurance. Alkaline hydrolysis is particularly beneficial for sensitive cases involving children under the age of four and stillborn babies, where the process is more likely to return remains to the bereaved parents. This can be a source of comfort and closure for families experiencing loss, offering a more personalized and compassionate approach to death care.
Global Adoption and Growing Awareness
Water cremation has been adopted in a growing number of countries, with the U.S. leading the way in commercializing the process. In the U.S., more than half of the states have legalized alkaline hydrolysis, and the practice is gaining traction in countries like Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The increasing awareness of water cremation and the positive responses from the public indicate a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious death care practices.
The dynamic status of alkaline hydrolysis technology, coupled with the positive reception from various regions, suggests a promising future for water cremation as a mainstream alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. The potential regulation of alkaline hydrolysis in Scotland signifies a significant step towards offering individuals a more diverse and eco-friendly range of options for body disposal. As more people become aware of the benefits of water cremation, it is likely to become a preferred choice for those seeking a sustainable and compassionate approach to end-of-life care.
Links to additional Resources:
1. www.alkalinehydrolysis.com 2. www.watercremation.org 3. www.aquamationinfo.org.Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: Water cremation, Alkaline hydrolysis, AquamationWater cremation
Alkaline hydrolysis (also called biocremation, resomation, flameless cremation, aquamation or water cremation) is a process for the disposal of human and pet remains using lye and heat, and is an alternative to burial or cremation.
Read more: Water cremation
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis (; from Ancient Greek hydro- 'water', and lysis 'to unbind') is any chemical reaction in which a molecule of water breaks one or more chemical bonds. The term is used broadly for substitution, elimination, and solvation reactions in which water is the nucleophile. Biological hydrolysis is the cleavage of...
Read more: Hydrolysis
Water cremation
Alkaline hydrolysis (also called biocremation, resomation, flameless cremation, aquamation or water cremation) is a process for the disposal of human and pet remains using lye and heat, and is an alternative to burial or cremation.
Read more: Water cremation
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