Natural Cremation Options
Choosing cremation instead of a burial is cost-effective and doesn't take up land. However, cremating the body uses a lot of energy and releases carbon dioxide. If you want to choose a more natural way, there are a few options that don't affect the Earth as much.
Other People Are Reading
-
Carbon-Neutral Cremation
-
By having a carbon-neutral cremation, the process offsets greenhouse gases and doesn't affect the planet as much. Some organizations also use renewable solar energy. Most places also use non-toxic and non-invasive body preparations.
Resomation or Alkaline Hydrolysis
-
Resomation is a water cremation that uses a solution of alkali and water to liquefy the body. Due to high temperatures, the process only takes two to three hours and uses only one-eighth of the energy of a traditional cremation. A silk coffin is used to hold the body through the process. The only remains will be the bones ash, which will be placed in an urn.
-
Corpse Composting
-
Similar to cremation, corpse composting turns the deceased body into a powder. The process is quite different, though. The body is first frozen, then lowered in its coffin into liquid nitrogen. After the body turns brittle, it is exposed to light vibration that disintegrates it and the coffin into organic powder. Next, water is evaporated by a vacuum chamber and numerous metals are separated and removed by a magnetic field. The remaining powder is placed into a coffin made of cornstarch. When the coffin is buried, it is placed close to the surface so all the contents can naturally compost within six to 12 months.
Natural Burial
-
If you are still considering having a burial, you can choose an eco-friendly casket and refrain from having the embalming process done to the body. You can also choose a non-toxic and non-invasive body preparation process if it is available. That way, the materials will biodegrade naturally in the Earth and no toxic chemicals will be released into the soil.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
