End of Life and Funeral Planning

Alternative to burial and cremation would liquefy remains

Alkaline hydrolysis is a procedure that uses pressure and lye to break remains down into liquid and bone powder.  The liquid portion is often sent down a drain. Proponents argue that the process is an environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Opponents view it as an undignified end for human remains. The process is legal only in New Hampshire and Minnesota. Two medical centers use the process to dispose of cadavers that have been used for research. The process is more commonly used for animal carcass disposal.

Read the AP story on alkaline hydrolysis

Green Funeral Planning

Sound environmental practices are becoming a way of life for many, and the idea of green funerals is slowly gaining popularity in the United States. While green cemeteries are still rare, there are ways for consumers to have meaningful memorials that use fewer resources than traditional burials. View our Green Funeral Planning category for the latest on the subject.

Related:

• Eco-friendly cremation urns
• Moving on from life, naturally (USA Today)
• Green funerals feature biodegradable coffins (CNN)
• Eco-friendly pet caskets

Aerial Burial

Some people wish to be buried. Others choose cremation, then either burial or scattering at a favorite place. For a pilot, an aerial ceremony might be just the thing. Flying Magazine has safety tips for conducting an ash scattering ceremony in the sky.