Britons are eagerly anticipating the introduction of water cremations as a new option for body disposal after death. Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, this method involves decomposing a corpse in water and alkaline chemicals, resulting in liquid and bones. The liquid, known as effluent, can be disposed of down the drain, while the bones can be ground to ash for the bereaved to take home. Water cremation will provide an alternative to flame cremations and land burials in the UK, but there are numerous other unconventional options available worldwide.
Here are seven unique ways in which your body can be disposed of after death:
1. Cryomation: Cryomation involves freezing the body using liquid nitrogen, making it brittle and easily fragmented. Metal objects are then removed, and the body can be turned into a sterile powder or kept intact. This option appeals to those who believe in the possibility of future scientific advancements allowing the revival of dead bodies. However, cryomation is an expensive process primarily available to the wealthy.
2. Plastination: Developed by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens, plastination preserves tissues, organs, and entire bodies for medical purposes and public display. Formaldehyde-based solutions are applied to kill bacteria, followed by soaking in acetone to remove water. The body is then immersed in a liquid polymer, hardened using heat or UV light, and preserved. Plastination gained notoriety through Dr. von Hagens’ controversial exhibition, “Body Worlds,” but it is also an option for those who wish to be part of scientific research after death.
3. Sky Burial: Sky burials, also known as Jhator, are ancient rituals practiced by Tibetan Buddhists. The deceased’s body is placed on a mountaintop to decompose naturally and become food for scavengers, such as crows or vultures. Sky burials are performed in mountainous areas where traditional burial is challenging due to hard ground. According to Buddhist belief, the body no longer holds significance after death as the spirit transcends.
4. Body Farm: Body farms, officially known as human taphonomy facilities, allow human bodies to decompose naturally in a controlled environment. These facilities provide insights into decomposition rates and their impact on surrounding vegetation, aiding forensic science and criminal investigations. Currently, there are body farms in Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States. However, the UK does not have a body farm due to opposition from the government and some academics.
5. Reef Ball: A reef ball is an artificial reef made from concrete that incorporates the cremated remains of an individual. These balls create habitats for marine life and are placed in areas where coral is struggling to survive. Family members receive coordinates of the reef ball’s location, allowing them to pay their respects. Eternal Reefs, a Florida-based charity, charges $4,500 for the creation of a reef ball.
From water cremations to cryomation, plastination, sky burials, body farms, and reef balls, there is a wide range of options available worldwide for body disposal after death. Each method offers a unique approach to the farewell process, catering to different beliefs, preferences, and interests.
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