All about Aquamation
In the modern funeral space, it seems there are only two options at first glance: Traditional burial and cremation. While both options have withstood the test of time, neither are as eco-friendly nor cost-efficient as the new option of Aquamation.
Aquamation (also called alkaline hydrolysis or biodegradation) is a natural process of body disposal that is becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional burial and cremation. It is a more eco-friendly option because it uses much less energy than cremation and does not produce any harmful pollutants. The remains are also highly sterile and contain no contaminants, making them safe to scatter or bury. Additionally, Aquamation is generally less expensive than traditional burial or cremation. Aquamation is becoming increasingly popular as more people are looking for ecofriendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional funerals. Aquamation is seen as a more dignified and respectful way to lay a loved one to rest, as the remains are returned to the family in a more natural form.
But, how exactly does it work? Aquamation is a gentle and dignified process that uses water, alkaline, and heat to reduce a body to bone fragments. The process begins with the body being placed in a stainless steel vessel, similar to a hot tub, where it is submerged in a mix of water, potassium hydroxide, and heat. The alkaline solution acts like a detergent, breaking down the body until only the skeletal remains remain. The process takes between two and four hours, and the remains are then processed into a sterile powder and returned to the family.
Aquamation is a gentle and environmentally friendly way to lay a loved one to rest. With its low cost and dignified nature, aquamation is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional burial or cremation.