When making funeral arrangements, many people choose cremation as their method of disposition. However, as environmental awareness has grown, more individuals are now exploring for this method’s greener alternatives. Alkaline hydrolysis, commonly known as aquamation, is one such choice.
During aquamation, the body is placed in a stainless steel container containing water and potassium hydroxide solution. The body is then progressively dissolved by the fluid, leaving just bones behind, when the vessel is heated to a high temperature. Similar to a regular cremation, the bones are subsequently crushed into a fine powder and given back to the family.
Why then is aquamation prohibited in some locations? The procedure is new, so it hasn’t exactly gained widespread acceptance. For instance, it is still not accepted as a legitimate method of disposition in some US jurisdictions. However, as more people learn about the advantages of aquamation, this is gradually changing.
Being a far more eco-friendly option than cremation, aquamation has a number of advantages. Cremation contributes to climate change by releasing damaging greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, compared to traditional cremation, aquamation produces no hazardous pollutants and requires less energy.
Whether a funeral ceremony is required also comes up in connection to cremation. The decision to hold a funeral ceremony or not is entirely up to the family, so the answer is no. Instead of a funeral, some people choose to hold a memorial ceremony where friends and family can assemble to remember the deceased.
The price varies according to the funeral home and the location. However, cremation normally costs between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars less than a traditional burial. While rates for aquamation range from $1,500 to $5,000, it is often more expensive than cremation.
Cremation into a diamond is an option for individuals looking for a special way to remember a loved one. A small quantity of cremated remains will be transformed into a diamond using this method. Depending on the size and quality of the diamond, this treatment might cost anywhere between $2,000 and $20,000.
As a result, aquamation is a more environmentally friendly and long-lasting alternative to traditional cremation. Even if it might not be permitted in all states, it is gradually becoming recognized as a practical choice. The decision to hold a funeral ceremony or not is entirely up to the family, and cremation and aquamation expenses differ depending on where they are performed and which funeral home handles them. Cremation into a diamond is another pricey option for individuals looking for a special remembrance.