Introducing Aquamations to the UK: A Greener Alternative to Traditional Cremations and Burials
Co-op Funeralcare has announced its plans to offer Aquamations, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremations, later this year in Britain. This innovative process involves the rapid decomposition of a corpse in a stream of water and alkaline chemicals, resulting in only liquid and bones. Aquamation presents an environmentally conscious alternative to burials and traditional cremations, which consume significant amounts of fuel and release greenhouse gases.
So, what exactly happens during a water cremation? MailOnline presents a step-by-step guide to Aquamations. The process begins with loading the corpse into the machine, which calculates the required amount of water and potassium hydroxide. The pressurized tank is then filled with the alkaline solution and heated to 152C (305F). The remaining liquid is cooled in a separate tank and drained, with approximately 330 gallons of liquid being washed down the drain. The bones are ground to a powder and returned to the family in an urn.
During the Aquamation process, the body is placed in a stainless steel vessel, and alkali is added based on individual characteristics such as weight, sex, and embalming status. The vessel becomes filled with a solution comprised of 95% water and 5% alkali, which is heated to temperatures between 200-300°F. Throughout the entire process, the solution is gently circulated. At the end, all material is broken down into the smallest building blocks, leaving no DNA or RNA behind. The sterile process water is then released for recycling, and the vessel undergoes a fresh water rinse for both the equipment and remains. When the operator opens the door, only the inorganic bone minerals remain, which are processed into powder and returned to the family in an urn. This final processing step mirrors the one followed in traditional flame cremations.
The environmental benefits of Aquamations are significant. According to the Atlantic, the environmental impact of Aquamation is approximately one-tenth of that caused by traditional flame cremations, which use substantial amounts of fuel. Cremations emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The Aquamation process involves heating the body in a mixture of potassium hydroxide and water for up to 90 minutes.
Aquamation is not limited to human remains; it is also available for pets. In Seattle, a company called Resting Waters offers aquamation services for deceased pets at prices ranging from $550 (£430) depending on the size of the animal.
The traditional options of cremation and burial have their drawbacks. Cremation produces an average of 535 pounds of carbon dioxide, equivalent to driving a car for about 600 miles, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Burials often involve vessels that take years to decompose if made of metal or plastic, and even compostable vessels can negatively impact the soil’s health, hindering proper grass and plant growth.
While the exact cost of Aquamations remains undisclosed, Funeral Guide suggests that the prices will be similar to those of traditional cremations. It is anticipated that eco-friendly cremations will be priced similarly to their flame counterparts.
The interest in aquamation in Britain has surged following Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s decision to opt for this eco-friendly process for his remains. The Co-op, the UK’s largest funeral service provider, arranging over 93,000 funerals annually, will collaborate with sustainability experts to further research and conduct an initial regional pilot later this year. Aquamation has gained popularity in the US, Canada, and South Africa, making its introduction in Britain the first alternative to burial or cremation since the Cremation Act of 1902. A poll conducted for Co-op Funeralcare revealed that 89% of adults were unaware of Aquamation, but after learning about it, one-third expressed their willingness to choose it for their own funeral.
Professor Douglas Davies, a death rites expert at Durham University, believes that the reduced carbon footprint associated with Aquamation will appeal to many individuals.
In conclusion, Aquamations represent a smart and innovative solution for eco-conscious individuals seeking an alternative to traditional burial or cremation practices. With its environmentally friendly approach and positive impact on carbon emissions, Aquamation is set to revolutionize the funeral industry and provide a greener future for end-of-life ceremonies.
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