When you’re planning a farewell for a loved one, you want the process to reflect their values and honor their memory in a meaningful way. The water cremation process aligns with growing concerns for sustainability.
If you’ve heard about water cremation and wondered how it works or why it’s becoming a popular choice, this guide is here to help.
Together, we’ll explore the details of this innovative method and how it differs from other end-of-life options. We’ll also explore other methods of disposition so you can make the right choice for honoring your loved one.
What is Aquamation or Water Cremation?
Aquamation, often referred to as water cremation, is an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation or burial.
It offers a new method of caring for human remains by using water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to accelerate the natural decomposition process.
Let’s break it down so you can understand how this process works.
How the Water Cremation Process Works
The process begins with placing the human body into a specialized chamber, often referred to as an alkaline hydrolysis machine.
This machine is designed to replicate and accelerate natural decomposition by combining water, heat, and a solution of potassium hydroxide and other alkaline chemicals.
Let’s see how the process works next:
- Over several hours, the body’s tissues break down into basic chemical components such as amino acids, salts, and sterile effluent.
- What remains after the process are bone fragments, which are carefully dried and processed into cremated remains, similar in appearance to those from flame cremation.
- These remains are then returned to the family in an urn, providing a way to honor the deceased.
Get in touch with us at Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory at (919) 866-1866 to learn more about aquamation or other methods of disposition and find out how we can support your family during this time.
Environmental Benefits of Aquamation
One of the key reasons families choose water cremation is its significantly lower environmental impact compared to flame-based cremation or traditional burial.
Unlike flame cremation, aquamation produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions or harmful greenhouse gases. It also uses less energy, making it a sustainable choice for those concerned about climate change and fossil fuel consumption.
In addition, aquamation avoids the use of embalming chemicals, which can seep into the ground during traditional burial. It reduces the release of mercury from dental fillings, a common byproduct of flame cremation.
The sterile effluent produced during the process can be released into the sewer system without harming the environment.
Why are Families Drawn to Aquamation?
The use of water and heat in place of fire offers families an alternative option that feels more in tune with the cycle of life.
The Catholic Church has also shown openness to this method, with figures such as Desmond Tutu choosing water cremation for its alignment with caring for the environment.
Albany Medical College and other institutions have also utilized this method for its efficiency and environmental benefits.
Funeral homes and alkaline hydrolysis facilities are increasingly offering this service as families seek alternatives that reflect their values and reduce environmental impact.
Is Water Cremation Legal Everywhere?
While the water cremation process is gaining popularity, its legality varies by location. Aquamation (water cremation) is legal in North Carolina and many other states.
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) mentions aquamation under their definition of cremation:
CANA’s definition of “cremation” covers a variety of technologies that may be applied in order to achieve reduction to bone fragments, including traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, and alkaline hydrolysis.
Choosing aquamation reflects a growing desire for meaningful, eco-friendly practices that honor both the deceased and the planet. For families exploring end-of-life options, it represents a thoughtful choice rooted in respect and sustainability.
How Does Water Cremation Differ From Flame Cremation?
When comparing water cremation to flame cremation, the most noticeable difference lies in the method used to return the body to its essential elements:
- Flame cremation uses intense fire and high heat to reduce the body to ash
- Water cremation, also known as aquamation, relies on a combination of water, heat, and alkaline chemicals.
Another key distinction is the environmental impact:
- Flame cremation releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, such as mercury from dental fillings.
- Water cremation avoids these emissions entirely and uses less energy overall, making it a more sustainable choice for families concerned about climate change and the environment.
Water cremation provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation. The choice often comes down to your values and how you want to honor your loved one.
Other Disposition Methods in North Carolina
When you’re considering how to honor your loved one, North Carolina offers several meaningful disposition options.
Each method carries its own traditions, values, and environmental impact, allowing you to choose what feels right for your family.
Next, we’ll explore other disposition methods that North Carolina recognizes.
Traditional Burial
Burial is one of the most time-honored ways to lay a loved one to rest. It involves interring the body in a casket within a cemetery plot or mausoleum. Families often appreciate the physical place they can visit to reflect and remember.
This method often includes:
- A casket chosen by the family.
- A headstone or marker to memorialize the site.
- A vault that holds the casket, keeping it protected from the elements
- Embalming to preserve the body for viewing or services.
While burial provides a sense of permanence, it does have a larger environmental impact due to the use of embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and land requirements.
Green Burial
Green burial is a growing trend among families seeking environmentally conscious end-of-life options. This method avoids embalming chemicals and uses biodegradable materials to allow the body to decompose naturally.
Key elements of green burial include:
- No embalming or use of harmful chemicals.
- Biodegradable caskets or burial shrouds.
- No vault is necessary
- Interment in a natural or minimally maintained burial ground.
Green burial aligns with the values of sustainability and simplicity. It also offers a serene and natural resting place that some families find deeply comforting.
Flame Cremation
Flame cremation has been a popular alternative to burial for decades. It uses high heat to reduce the body to ash, which is then returned to the family. This method is valued for its simplicity and flexibility in memorializing a loved one.
Families choosing flame cremation appreciate:
- The ability to scatter or keep the cremated remains in an urn.
- Fewer logistical requirements compared to burial.
- The opportunity to hold a memorial service separately from the cremation.
However, flame cremation does release greenhouse gases and other pollutants, such as mercury from dental fillings. For families weighing environmental concerns, it’s worth exploring all available options.
North Carolina offers these diverse methods to ensure you find the right fit for your loved one’s final wishes.
Whether you prefer the tradition of burial, the sustainability of green burial, the flexibility of flame cremation, or the eco-friendliness of aquamation, each option allows you to honor your loved one in a meaningful way.
Choosing Aquamation With Renaissance Funeral Home
At Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory, we understand how important it is for you to choose an end-of-life option that reflects your values and honors your loved one.
That’s why we are proud to offer multiple options for your family, ensuring you can honor your values as well as your loved one.
Why Choose Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory?
No matter the disposition you decide on, Renaissance offers compassionate processes that prioritize respect and care for your loved one.
Our dedicated team guides you through every step, ensuring you feel supported and informed during this deeply personal time.
Our aquamation and green burial services align with our commitment to sustainability.
By choosing these methods, you are helping to reduce greenhouse gases and limit the use of fossil fuels. These are both meaningful choices for families focused on environmental responsibility.
How Renaissance Makes Our Services Seamless
From the moment you reach out to us, we focus on simplifying the process for you. Whether you have questions about traditional burial, green burial, cremation, or aquamation, we’re here to help.
We ensure the process you choose is handled with the utmost care, providing a way to cherish your loved one’s memory.
Supporting Families Through Thoughtful Services
Our team at Renaissance believes in creating meaningful experiences to honor your loved one’s life.
Whether you prefer a quiet family gathering or a larger celebration, we can help design a service that meets your needs and reflects your wishes.
Reach Out to Us
Choosing aquamation or our other services is a deeply personal decision, and we are here to provide the care and information you need.
Get in touch with us at Renaissance Funeral Home and Crematory at (919) 866-1866 to learn more about our services and find out how we can support your family during this time.
