Aquamation
Even in Death, We can do Our Part to Protect the Planet
Alkaline Hydrolysis: An eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame-based Cremation
In an effort to protect and preserve the environment people have been considering going Green in many aspects of their lives. Now you can have the option of a green burial. It's no surprise that environmentally friendly methods have found their way into the funerary business. In an effort to protect our environment and promote responsible stewardship the funerary sector is investing in alternative methods of cremation. Alkaline Hydrolysis is one viable option for funeral homes and for their customers interested in reducing their Carbon Impact. Alkaline Hydrolysis, also known as, Aquamation, has been making the rounds in recent headlines for its Environmentally Conservative benefits and Zero Carbon emissions.
History
First developed in 1888, Alkaline Hydrolysis is a chemical process that replicates the natural process of decomposition in traditional burials but at a far quicker rate. Buried remains can take up to 25 years to decompose with this technology the same process is achieved in as little as 3 hours. It first came into private commercial use with the Glasgow based company, Resomation, Ltd. They were the first to coin the term, Resomation' derived from the Greek/Latin resoma', meaning rebirth of the human body". The name reflects the gentler process involved. While Alkaline Hydrolysis transforms the body with liquid and a pressurized chamber, traditional cremations incinerate the remains. Prior to its commercial availability, hospitals and university's globally, have been using this technology to dispose of cadavers as early as the 1980's.
Process
Using a mixture of water and an alkali solution of potassium hydroxide (found in common household cleaners) the liquid mixture is heated and kept under pressure. This process within a few hours transforms a body down to bones. Implants and mercury from dental work, remain intact and there's no need to have these things removed, beforehand. Significantly reducing the time and expense involved with removal of these items prior to a flame-based cremation. The heat used is set at 200 300 degrees Fahrenheit and is a dramatic reduction compared to the standard 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit needed for an incinerator. Once the process is complete, the sterile liquid waste can be disposed through the sanitary sewer system. Alternatively, since this by-product is high in rich nutrients it has even been known to be reused as a fertilizer in gardens. The remaining bones are dried and reduced down to a fine white powder, leaving 20 percent more of your loved ones remains than the traditional flame-based process.
With zero toxic emissions and up to 90% less energy consumed; people are choosing Aquamation as a Green alternative to traditional cremation. With the cost being comparable in some states, consumers are opting for this method for their pets and loved ones, knowing they're also helping the planet.
Throughout the United States, there are a handful of funeral homes and crematoriums that offer this service for pets. With legislation being passed in a number of states, Aquamation is being made available for human use. It's anticipated, that the number of funeral homes offering this service will increase exponentially over the years.