We have all experienced loss in our lives. Funeral Directors Adelaide plays an important role in planning the funeral ceremony and handling other formalities.
Whether it’s the death of a loved one or a distant memory of your first pet, we can all agree that there is nothing worse than looking back at the end of our lives and realising that we didn’t do enough to protect the future for our children.
The good news is that there are many ways to help reduce your carbon footprint when disposing of a dead body. It’s an unfortunate truth that we all have to face at some point in our lives, but it is also a fact that should not be ignored.
We are all going to die, and when we do, it is important that we do everything we can to make sure the world is better than how we found it.
Here are five ways you can help reduce your carbon footprint by disposing of a dead body in an eco-friendly way.
In this article, we will explore some eco-friendly options for those who are planning their own green burial as well as how others can go green while still honouring their loved ones after they pass away:
Bury your loved one in a biodegradable casket
For those who want to bury their loved ones, you can opt for a biodegradable casket. These caskets are made from materials that decompose in the ground and offer an alternative to traditional wooden coffins. Consult Funeral Directors Adelaide if you are looking for a biodegradable casket.
Biodegradable coffins are also more affordable than regular wooden caskets, so they’re a great option for those on a tight budget.
Even though it may seem like you could get away with not buying a casket, always ensure that your loved one has something covering their body when buried (this is especially important if there will be heavy rains or snowfall during burial time).
Embrace green burial
Green burial is the process of returning a body to the earth via natural means. It’s an eco-friendly way to dispose of a dead body, as it minimises waste, reduces cost and limits environmental impact.
Green burials are also increasingly popular because they give families an opportunity to honour their loved ones by celebrating life instead of focusing on death.
Some green cemeteries allow visitors to walk amongst the gravesites; others are more secluded and offer guests privacy.
If you’re interested in green burial, it’s important to research the options available at your local cemetery. Some cemeteries offer eco-friendly services, such as recycling programs, biodegradable caskets and urns made from natural materials. And some will even allow you to use a shroud instead of a coffin.
Go Alkaline
While it is true that alkaline hydrolysis has been around since the late 1800s, it was only in the last two decades that a commercial machine for this process was developed.
The first of these machines can be traced back to 2002, when Alkali-Cide Technologies created a prototype called Bio-Membrane Incinerator.
This machine was used in the University of Minnesota’s Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology until 2015, when they discontinued using it due to pollution concerns from neighbours and local businesses (and probably because there were protests).
Since then, several companies have released their own versions of alkaline hydrolysis machines; you only have to pick one and get your dead body ready!
The process of alkaline hydrolysis is pretty simple. The body is placed in a large cylindrical chamber, which is then filled with water and lye. The lye causes the body to break down into its chemical components, which are then separated out by a membrane filter.
Aquamation
Aquamation is one of the most eco-friendly ways to dispose of a body, as it utilises water instead of chemicals. The process begins with placing the deceased in a tank and heating it to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for about three hours, until all their flesh has dissolved.
The bones are then filtered out of the liquid using a machine that separates them from soil particles. It’s also an effective method for disposing of small animals; just make sure that your family pet isn’t going to drink from any nearby streams before you commit them to this process!
This method is also good because it allows you to keep the ashes of your loved one. You can scatter them around a favourite place or put them in an urn for safekeeping.
Donate your body to science
If you think about it, donating your body to science is a pretty good way to help people. After all, medical students need bodies in order to learn anatomy. Consult an expert Funeral Directors Adelaide for further help.
If you’re in good health and have a valid will, there are several organisations that will accept your body after you die.
Most universities have a medical schools, and many of them have an anatomical donation program. If you’re interested in donating your body to science, contact your local university to see what they can offer.
Conclusion:
If you are planning a funeral, it’s important to know all of your options. If you want to go green, there are many eco-friendly ways to dispose of a dead body.
From biodegradable caskets and alkaline cremation to aquamation and donating your body for medical research, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing how you want your loved one buried or cremated.
You can also choose a traditional burial, which is going to be the most expensive option. If you want to save money, consider getting cremation insurance or purchasing a pre-paid funeral plan. You might be surprised at how affordable these options are!
