Every day the number of individuals who use traditional methods of burial for the dead declines, and other nontraditional methods are discovered and adopted. While the number of families who opt for cremation of loved ones over burial is on the rise, so is the newest option of ‘green cremation’—alkaline hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis is known by many different names, such as liquid cremation, green cremation, aquafication, and bio-cremation, but the difference in name does not signify that there is a different method used to ‘cremate’ the bodies. While the idea of alkaline hydrolysis may seem daunting at first, the actual means in which the bodies are respectfully cremated and the benefits these means have financially and environmentally tend to surpass initial doubts.
The Process of Alkaline Hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis is similar to cremation in the sense that the bodies are broken down into DNA-less waste and ash but varies in process. Rather than incineration with heat and flame as the process of cremation entails, alkaline hydrolysis uses heat, water, and potassium hydroxide to reduce the bodies into a dissolved, sterile liquid.
The bodies are first weighed to determine the amount of water and alkaline needed to fully dissolute them, then they are placed in a pressurized tank which uses heat and pressure to assist the alkali in breaking down the body’s tissues. This process takes a few hours (depending on the heat of the tank) and once completed, the body is reduced to bones and DNA-less amino acids in the sterile liquid that is actually less toxic to humans than other body disposal methods. The water is disposed of at waste treatment plants or returned to the water table and is no more harmful to the planet than any other biological excretion. The potassium hydroxide does not break down bone or other remains on the body such as mercury filled tooth fillings or titanium surgical implantations, leaving the harmful metals and chemicals to be disposed of in a safe manner. The bones can then be taken and easily crushed into a fine, pure, white ash and given to the families in place of a more contaminated, traditional, gray ash.
Alkaline Hydrolysis— A Greener Cremation/ Burial
Alkaline hydrolysis is gaining popularity mainly because it is a greener, more natural method of body disposal for loved ones. Alkaline hydrolysis is eco-friendlier as it uses less energy and natural resources during the process of cremation, is better for the atmosphere, and can even be beneficial for surrounding soil. These benefits all lead to the favoring of alkaline hydrolysis among individuals and institutions, such as medical schools, for the disposal of bodies.
The energy needed during alkaline hydrolysis is less than the energy needed during cremation even though the time taken to complete both processes is relatively the same. Alkaline hydrolysis also uses about 300 gallons of water on average, while burial uses about 2,500 gallons of water per year to keep just one gravesite green. Furthermore, alkaline hydrolysis is a greener option as it substantially reduces the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gasses emitted. Cremation of bodies releases toxic smoke into the air and the decomposition of buried bodies releases an incredible amount of methane gas, which contributes to harmful greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Not only does alkaline hydrolysis save water and reduce air pollution, the waste liquid is actually healthy for the earth. Because the liquid waste is just a solution of sterile amino acids and water, it nourishes the ground much in the same way fertilizer would. In fact, many have reported the greenery and foliage surrounding the disposal site as being healthier and greener than surrounding areas.
Alkaline Hydrolysis—A Feasible Option
Alkaline Hydrolysis is a fairly new practice that is quickly gaining popularity throughout the world and United States. It has been legalized as a proper means for body disposal in 16 states in the United States and is predicted to be legalized in many more. It is also being adopted in the United Kingdom and other countries. Different religious groups are designating it as an acceptable practice for their members, with exceptions such as ensuring the bones be disposed of in a respectful manner, just as the waste liquid is. The process is becoming more popular throughout the world as it is a greener option over cremation and burial.