Cremation Alternatives and Burial Options

Water Cremation (Aquamation or Alkaline Hydrolysis) is similar to tradition cremation but uses water and an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition rather than flame. It consumes roughly one-tenth of the energy compared to traditional cremation. Green burial and human composting are also options but have a very different outcome than cremation.

Non-traditional burial alternatives to cremation might include; natural burial which aims to minimize the environmental impact by using biodegradable materials and avoiding embalming, burial at sea which allows for a peaceful and symbolic return to nature, donating the body to science contributes to medical or scientific research and education, and terramation which allows the body to naturally transform into nutrient-dense compost.

The cost of traditional cremation depends on your definition of cost. Financially flame cremation is similar in cost, or a little cheaper, than aquamation, also called resomation. Ecologically, the environmental cost of traditional cremation in CO2 output is about 10x the amount produced with aquamation.

While every cremation alternative has its pros and cons, the right choice for you will ultimately depend on your individual moral, social, environmental and economic considerations. It’s also worth considering what will create the most meaningful memorial for your survivors.

Accounting for nearly 60% of all dispositions in the U.S., cremation is now the leading choice for end of life service, with the National Funeral Directors’ Association predicting that rate could rise to 80% by 2030. But this isn’t necessarily because Americans are super excited about cremation, it’s just the only mainstream alternative to a big, costly traditional burial that they’re being offered.

With a paradigm shift in the way we approach death and memorializing our loved ones, cremation and traditional burial are no longer the only options available. Here, we will discover alternative cremation and burial options that honor both the departed and, in many cases, the environment.

The conventional methods of burial and cremation consume significant resources and leave behind a sizable carbon footprint. The environmental impact has prompted the funeral industry to seek out innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to burial and cremation. Some of the non-traditional burial options provide a fresh perspective on the cycle of life, offering ways for the human body to contribute to the nourishment of the planet.

Resomation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a water-based alternative to cremation that uses potassium hydroxide to break down the body. This process reduces the body to solid bone material and a sterile liquid, with significantly less environmental impact than traditional cremation. The use of energy of flame-based cremation is high, but resomation requires approximately one-tenth of the energy. The processed bone material can then be returned to the family, much like cremated remains, but without the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Recomposition, or human composting, is another alternative to cremation and burial that accelerates the natural decomposition process. It involves placing the body in a vessel with organic material like wood chips and straw. The vessel promotes oxygen flow and microbial activity, breaking down the body into nutrient-rich compost within weeks. This method is legal in a small but growing number of states in the United States and provides an environmentally friendly way to capture the carbon in a body and return it in a productive way to the earth.

Organic burial, or green burial, is another option for those seeking alternatives to cremation or traditional burial. This process allows the body to decompose naturally in a biodegradable casket, carrier, or a shroud, rather than a traditional coffin vault. Green burials minimize the environmental impact by avoiding chemical embalming and metal caskets, aligning the burial process with the natural cycle of life and death.

Exploring the realm of cool ways to be buried, we find some truly unique burial alternatives for cremated or hydrolyzed (water cremation) remains that can reflect unique personalities and interests, though not being entirely environmentally conscious.

Eterneva offers a dazzling alternative to traditional burial options for cremated or hydrolyzed remains. It transforms cremated remains or hair into lab-grown diamonds. This offers an enduring, personalized memorial for the departed that can be passed down through generations

Celestis presents an otherworldly alternative for those seeking options other than burial for cremated remains. This company offers space flights for a small portion of cremated or hydrolyzed remains, riding along on an existing commercial or scientific satellite mission and providing a celestial memorial that quite literally reaches for the stars.

Parting Stones offers a unique alternative to traditional cremation burial options. Instead of receiving a container of ashes, the company transforms cremated remains into solid, tactile stones that can be displayed or held, offering a comforting and aesthetically pleasing memorial. Parting Stones do not dissolve in water, so they could be added to a water feature or shoreline.

Donating a body to science, or anatomical bequest, is a noble and practical alternative to cremation and burial. Medical schools use these bodies for teaching and research, contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and treatments. Minnesota was the first U.S. state to legalize alkaline hydrolysis because it was the Mayo Clinic’s choice of final disposition for bodies donated to their anatomical bequest program.

For those who loved the sea, creating a “reef ball” from cremated or aquamated remains provides a living, thriving memorial. The remains are incorporated into an artificial reef and the family can participate in the at-sea burial of the structure, which supports marine life and contributes to the regeneration of underwater ecosystems.

Innovations like The Living Urn tree urns present a green alternative to conventional burial methods. These biodegradable urns contain a seed or sapling which joins with properly treated cremated remains–because cremated remains themselves are non-nutrient and contain high levels of salt–allowing the departed to be part of the growth of a new tree.

The funeral industry is evolving, with more and more funeral homes offering alternative burials and cremations to cater to a public increasingly aware of their ecological footprint. As we continue to innovate and redefine our relationship with death, we have more options for your body after death than ever before.

While each of these cremation alternatives and alternative burial options has its own merits, the choice ultimately depends on personal, ethical, religious, ecological and financial considerations. The exploration of these options is not just about finding a resting place after death; it's about choosing a method that offers a meaningful way to honor our loved one, benefits the environment, and provides comfort to the bereaved.

Remember, the journey doesn't have to end with the traditional. The options we have explored here, from human composting to Celestis Memorial Space Flights, demonstrate how diverse and personalized the funeral industry has become. So, whether you're pre-planning your final journey or seeking an eco-friendly burial alternative for a loved one, remember that there's a world of choice out there. The only limit is your imagination.