Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. Hi, I’m Anand. Today, I’m delving into the topic of environmentally friendly burial options, spurred by a reader’s concern about medical implants hindering green burials. Let’s explore two alternative practices.
This week’s highlights include an examination of the eco-friendliness of liquified and composted death practices, a look at the rise of floating solar technology, and a discussion on waste pickers advocating for expanded deposit return schemes.
For over two decades, Sam Sieber’s family has been operating in the Aquamation industry, utilizing a water-based process to efficiently decompose bodies without releasing carbon emissions. Despite initial assumptions about environmental motivations, Sieber found that families opt for Aquamation as an alternative to traditional cremation, driven by personal connections to water and the perceived gentleness of the process.
The Aquamation technique, formally known as alkaline hydrolysis, involves a steel drum where water, heat, pressure, and alkaline chemicals break down the body, leaving only bones within hours. Advocates tout its lower energy consumption, higher remains yield, and zero airborne emissions. Additionally, Aquamation allows for the recovery of surgical implants for recycling, a feature lacking in conventional burial methods.
Although the exact prevalence of alkaline hydrolysis in Canada is unclear, the method has been available in multiple provinces for more than a decade, with Manitoba recently introducing it. The cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per procedure. Notably, Archbishop Desmond Tutu opted for alkaline hydrolysis in 2022 due to its environmental benefits.
Similarly, Recompose, a company legal in 14 U.S. states, offers human composting services. By combining bodies with plant materials in a specialized vessel, the process generates soil within months, facilitating implant recovery and reducing carbon emissions. Clients are drawn to the personal significance of returning to the earth, emphasizing a profound connection to nature.
Juliette O’Keeffe, a senior scientist, recently assessed the environmental implications of alternative death practices. While alkaline hydrolysis poses challenges related to liquid remains disposal, human composting raises concerns about infectious disease remnants. O’Keeffe highlights the need for further research on pathogen degradation in composting processes.
Both Aquamation and human composting remain niche practices compared to traditional burial methods. However, their growing popularity signifies a broader shift towards environmentally sustainable end-of-life choices. This trend reflects a collective effort to minimize posthumous environmental footprints.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you have any questions, feedback, or story suggestions, please reach out to whatonearth@cbc.ca.
