With funerals and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions being noticed, a new practice called Aquamation is now gaining worldwide attention.
Seen as a greener alternative to both flame cremation and traditional burial, aquamation uses water and alkali instead of fire to return the body to nature. The process rose to prominence after global figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose it for their final rites, describing it as the most environmentally responsible option.
Today, aquamation facilities are operating in the United States, Canada, the UK, South Africa, and parts of Australia, with legislative discussions underway in India. As climate change continues to reshape global priorities, aquamation represents a shift toward sustainability, dignity, and innovation — redefining what it means to leave behind a “green legacy.”
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation is a funeral and body-disposition process that uses a combination of water (about 95%) and alkali (typically potassium hydroxide), heat, and gentle circulation to accelerate the body’s natural decomposition.
The process — formally known as alkaline hydrolysis — breaks down organic material into its basic components, leaving behind a sterile liquid and bone remains, which are dried and processed into ashes similar to those produced by fire cremation.
The idea of using alkali and water for decomposition originated in the 19th century. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the technology was first patented in 1888 by Englishman Amos Herbert Hobson for the disposal of animal carcasses.
The practice gradually gained commercial application: the first public installation of an aquamation unit for human remains was in Minnesota in 2003, after the state legalised the process. Since then, it has spread to 26 U.S. states, Canada, and has been legalised or trialled in South Africa, the UK, Australia, and Ireland.
Read More: Watch: Peculiar Ancient Funeral Traditions From South Asia
When Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose aquamation for his funeral in December 2021, the practice captured global attention and prompted renewed conversation about sustainable end-of-life choices.
Compared to traditional cremation and burial, aquamation significantly reduces both carbon emissions and energy consumption. According to a 2021 report by Earth Funeral, the carbon footprint of aquamation is approximately one-tenth that of flame cremation, and it uses only one-fifth of the energy required for flame cremation.
The scientific community views aquamation as a viable, lower-impact form of disposition — provided regulatory frameworks ensure proper effluent management and public understanding.
With its minimal emissions, reduced resource use, and gentle return to nature, the practice offers an alternative that respects both the deceased and the planet. As climate concerns deepen and global traditions evolve, aquamation may well become the next standard in compassionate, eco-conscious farewells — proof that even in death, our choices can nurture life.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: BBC, The Guardian, Discovery
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