Life and death are
two parts of the same coin, and for many, cremation is the preferred way of
handling the remains of their loved ones. However, more eco-friendly options
are now available for cremated remains, which are gaining popularity in
Australia.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, cremation has been the preferred choice for the
disposal of deceased persons since 2013, with the number of cremations
exceeding burials in every state and territory. Experts say over 70% of Australians
are expected to opt for cremation by 2025.
However, cremation
still has environmental impacts. The process requires significant energy and
releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In addition, the disposal of
cremated remains can negatively affect the environment, particularly when they
are scattered in natural areas or placed in non-biodegradable urns.
To address these
concerns, various eco-friendly options are now available for the disposal of
cremated remains. These include turning human ashes into trees by placing the
ash in memorial gardens, making biodegradable urns from materials such as
bamboo, salt, and sand, and infusing the ashes into something unique. These
options reduce the environmental impact of cremation and provide a meaningful
and lasting tribute to the deceased.
This blog post will
explore these eco-friendly options for cremated remains and their benefits.
5 Eco-Friendly Cremation Options
Memorial
Trees:
Memorial
trees are an increasingly popular eco-friendly
option for memorializing cremated ashes. The cremated ashes are first
organically treated to suppress their alkaline nature and create living
molecules to ensure that the person’s energy lives forever through the tree.
These trees can also
have positive environmental impacts, such as improving air quality, reducing
erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife. In addition, human ashes
into a tree are a unique way to celebrate the
life of a loved one while also contributing to the environment.
Green
Burials:
Choosing an
eco-friendly end-of-life process can involve various earth-friendly burial
options. Some of these options include avoiding chemical embalming to keep
pollutants out of the ground, opting for smaller and biodegradable headstones
or grave markers, and using coffins made of natural and biodegradable materials
like cardboard or wood instead of finished lacquered wood or metal rails.
A non-bleached,
undyed, and natural fibre shroud can cover the body. Also, choosing a shallow
grave can speed up the decomposition process of human remains, further reducing
the environmental impact.
Aquamation:
Aquamation, also
called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation is a water-based alternative to
traditional cremation. The process uses a solution of water and potassium
hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which is heated to approximately 350 degrees
Fahrenheit. At the end of the process, only the bone matter is left, which can
be dried and crushed and given to the deceased’s family to do as they please.
Desmond Tutu, the
Anglican archbishop, anti-apartheid leader, and environmental advocate
requested aquamation instead of cremation by fire, likely because he knew that
aquamation uses an estimated 90 per cent less energy than cremation by fire.
After the aquamation, his ashes were interred in St. George’s Cathedral in Cape
Town, South Africa.
The process produces
less carbon dioxide and other emissions, uses less energy and has a smaller
ecological footprint than traditional cremation. Additionally, it does not
require using fossil fuels or releasing toxic chemicals into the atmosphere,
making it an eco-friendly option for those looking for a greener end-of-life
solution.
Human
Composting
Lastly, the art of
human composting, also known as body composting, recomposition, or natural
organic reduction, is a green burial method similar to donating your remains to
a body farm.
The idea of human
composting was first introduced by Katrina Spade, an architecture graduate
based in Seattle, in 2012. Her goal was to create a space where bodies could
return to the earth naturally, without using steel, concrete, or carcinogens.
Spade’s solution was
to compost humans in the same way that farmers compost livestock. The process
uses wood chips, moisture, and air to accelerate the natural decay and turn
human remains into nutrient-rich soil.
This concept is still
on the way to getting legal acceptance in many countries and states. However,
this is an eco-friendly option to return to the earth where you came from.
Final Words
Eco-friendly options
for cremated remains offer a variety of ways to honour and remember loved ones
while also being mindful of our impact on the environment. From memorial trees
to human composting, numerous choices are available to those seeking a green
burial option.
Considering our
environmental impact in all aspects of life, it’s reassuring to know that even
in death, we can make choices that benefit the planet and future generations.
thanks you