Is it possible to have an eco-friendly cremation?
As we become increasingly aware of sustainability and reducing our personal carbon footprint, many people are beginning to wonder if it is possible to have an eco-friendly cremation.
Eco funerals, or green funerals as they are commonly known, are fast becoming a popular alternative to traditional funerals or cremations.
The impact of cremation on the environment
Although cremation minimises the space needed to lay bodies to rest in the ground, it still has an impact on the environment. This is due to the large amount of fuel used in crematoriums, resulting in millions of tons of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year. There are additional impacts to consider too. For example, when dental fillings are burned within cremated remains, this can pollute the atmosphere with mercury. However, there are alternatives being developed.
Bio cremation
Bio cremation consists of a process called alkaline hydrolysis, which uses water instead of fire to cremate bodies. Bio cremation goes by many names such as aquamation, resomation or simply water cremation. The body is placed in a chamber that is filled with 95% water and 5% alkali and heated to around 160°C. The body is then aquamated, meaning that it is broken down and eventually refined into a fine powder where, much like traditional cremation, the remains may be kept by the family to storage or scatter. As no harsh embalming fluid or chemicals are used, the liquid left behind is safe and biodegradable for disposal. This process does not require a coffin either, which means saving natural wood resources.
Bio cremation is a newly developed method and as such is not yet available in the UK. However, this is likely to be the future of cremation due to the eco-credentials proven so far. Councils around the UK are currently considering and discussing the potential of offering this. As the technology is still in its infancy, it may be some time before this option becomes widely available in the UK.
Natural burials
Natural burials, are another eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremations. They aim to have as little impact on the environment as possible by burying the deceased in a biodegradable coffin or environmentally friendly shroud within a green burial plot. Often without a memorial plaque or marker in order to leave no trace on the land, the body is left to biodegrade naturally, with the coffin breaking down much quicker than a traditional wooden coffin. The body will not be treated with embalming liquid or chemicals beforehand either, to further reduce the environmental impact of the burial.
Sometimes, cremated remains can be scattered amongst natural or woodland burial grounds. This is all dependent on the individual policies of the natural burial site.
Depending on your wishes, there are many different funeral options available. For more guidance on planning your own, or a loved one’s funeral, Your Funeral Choice’s free funeral planning advice centre has lots of useful information and resources for you.