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Introduction Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Terminology When Did NOR Start? Disposition Legalization & Providers Alternative Eco-Friendly Disposition Options Organ and Body Donation Natural Burial Are These the Only Eco-Friendly Disposition Options? When Did Natural Burial Start? Accessing Eco-Conscious Providers Where Can I Have a Natural Burial? The Danger of Spreading Ashes Alkaline Hydrolysis Planet-Friendly Home Funerals When Did Alkaline Hydrolysis Start? Pet Disposition Legalization & Providers

INTRODUCTION

This page is dedicated to exploring more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods of handling death and the afterlife.  Here, we'll delve into innovative methods of disposition and all things “greening death” that align with the modern pan-death movement's commitment to ecological sustainability. Before delving into the various options available for eco-friendly disposition, it's important to understand the terminology and definitions.   So, let's start with that.

CONVENTIONAL TERMINOLOGY USED ON THIS PAGE

DISPOSITION

WHAT DO WE CURRENTLY DO?

When someone dies, burial and cremation are the two most commonly used methods of disposition.   While conventional funerals and burials can have a negative impact on the environment by using embalming fluid, steel, concrete, and rare tropical hardwood, it's important to note that there are no wrong choices when it comes to handling death and disposition.   It's crucial to recognize and respect the cultural traditions of different communities and work towards finding solutions that are both culturally appropriate and ecologically sustainable.

metal casket on artificial turf

Courtesy of the Green Burial Council

In Canada, cremation is a popular disposition choice; but it is the least eco-friendly solution, since it requires large amounts of fossil fuel and emits greenhouse gases (GhGs) and heavy metals.   Despite this, Canadian cremation rates continue to rise and are expected to reach almost 78 percent by 2024.    In light of these environmental concerns, it's essential to explore alternative options that allow bodies to return to the earth naturally.

cremation machines

ALTERNATIVE ECO-FRIENDLY DISPOSITION OPTIONS

When it comes to eco-friendly disposition, there are a few options to consider, including natural or green burial, natural organic reduction (also known as recomposition or terramation), and alkaline hydrolysis (also known as aquamation or resomation).   Natural burial involves interring or burying the body in a way that supports the natural processes of decomposition and land regeneration without the use of harmful chemicals or materials.   Natural organic reduction (NOR) uses the process of human composting to break down the body and create nutrient-rich soil.   Alkaline hydrolysis, on the other hand, uses water and alkaline to break down the body into its simplest elements, which can be safely returned to the environment.   Ultimately, the choice of which method to use will depend on personal preferences and beliefs, as well as any local regulations or requirements.

1. NATURAL BURIAL

Photo thanks to BC Green Burial

Green or natural burial is a type of disposition that seeks to minimize the environmental impact of conventional burials.  This approach typically involves the use of biodegradable materials for the casket, shroud, or urn and the avoidance of embalming fluids, concrete vaults and other conventional burial practices that can be harmful to the environment.  The goal is to promote the return of the body to the earth in a way that supports the natural ecosystem and preserves the land for future generations.

Family and community participation in such burials, and even home funerals, can provide a deeply meaningful and healing experience during the mourning process.

WHEN DID NATURAL BURIAL START?

Natural burial, while considered an alternative to traditional Western burial methods and funerary customs, is in fact an ancient practice that has been used by many cultures and religions, including Indigenous, Islamic, Jewish, and Christian communities.   In these traditions, the body is most often cared for by the community and laid to rest in a manner that supports the natural ecosystem.

For example, in Jewish tradition, the body is prepared for burial by a Chevra Kadisha, a group of individuals responsible for the sacred act of tahara (ritual purification).   The process involves carefully washing and cleansing the body, reciting prayers and blessings, and dressing the deceased in simple white shrouds (tachrichim); and done by Sacred Societies.   Embalming is generally not performed in Jewish tradition, as the body is considered sacred and should return to the earth as naturally as possible.

Chevra Kadisha

In Muslim tradition, the body is prepared for burial according to the practices of Islamic law called Sharia.   The body is washed and cleansed by family members or individuals with knowledge of the proper procedure.   The body is typically washed three times using clean water and sometimes scented with camphor or other substances.   It is then wrapped in a simple white shroud (kafan) and laid to rest without embalming.

Both traditions prioritize simplicity and respect for the deceased, focusing on honouring their body and returning it to the earth as part of the natural cycle of life.   Many cemeteries have designated areas specifically allocated for Jewish and Muslim burials to accommodate the religious and cultural practices of these communities.

This is how dead bodies were cared for in many countries for thousands of years — ever since our species evolved.  While natural burial is not a new practice, it has gained increased attention in recent years as part of a global movement toward connecting with nature and promoting sustainable ways of living.    Most green/natural burials allow for the participation of the family/friends in laying their beloved in the ground and filling in the grave.   This encourages a greater recognition of the reality of the death, a deeper sense of 'farewell', and a healthier path of grieving.

shrouded body in wicker tray

Conservation burial is a form of natural burial that aims to protect and preserve natural lands and ecosystems by interring human remains in designated conservation areas.   It combines the traditional aspects of burial with the goal of environmental conservation, often involving the use of biodegradable materials and promoting the restoration of natural habitats.   Conservation burial may be used to revive a clear-cut area, which then cannot be cut down again as the land is now considered sacred ground.

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WHERE CAN I HAVE A NATURAL BURIAL?

While many conventional cemeteries may not offer natural burial, there are hybrid cemeteries that reserve spaces for this type of burial.  To determine if your local cemetery offers this option, consider contacting them directly to inquire.   It's worth noting that increased demand for natural burial can encourage cemeteries to offer this choice in the future.

For information about natural burial grounds in the United States, as well as valuable resources for anyone, visit www.orderofthegooddeath.com.

2. ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS

Alkaline Hydrolysis (AH), also known as aquamation or resomation, is an alternative method of final disposition for human and animal remains.   This process involves placing the body in a stainless steel chamber with a mixture of water and alkali, and then subjecting it to high heat and pressure.  Through a process of chemical reactions, the body is reduced to bone fragments and a sterile liquid that can be safely returned to the environment.   This method is considered a more eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation or conventional burial, as it uses less energy and produces fewer pollutants, resulting in up to 90% energy savings and a much smaller carbon footprint.

Courtesy of Confessions of a Funeral Director

WHEN DID ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS START?

The basic chemistry behind AH has been known for over a century, but it was first developed as a means of disposing of animal carcasses in the mid-20th century.   The use of AH for human disposition is a more recent development, with the first human body being disposed of using this method in the United States in 1995.   Since then, AH has gained increasing acceptance as a viable alternative to conventional burial and cremation in some areas, particularly as more people seek eco-friendly options for their final disposition.

LEGALIZATION & PROVIDERS

AH is legal in four Canadian provinces and one territory (Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories) and over 20 U.S. states.

AH is legal for use with pets in all states, provinces and territories in Canada and the U.S.A.

It's important to advocate for AH to be legalized everywhere.   If you agree, there are a few ways to get involved.

Firstly, you can sign the existing petitions at Change.org and https://www.aquamationbc.ca/.

Additionally, you can write to your local MP and ask them to support a change in legislation.   Go to https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en to find your MP in Canada.   Download a letter template here.  Together, we can help make AH a reality in BC and other areas around the world.

3. NATURAL ORGANIC REDUCTION

Natural organic reduction (NOR), also known as terramation, recomposition, or body composting, is an innovative and environmentally friendly method of final disposition that converts human remains into soil.  This process involves placing the body in a mixture of organic materials, such as wood chips, straw, and sawdust, which promotes natural decomposition through microbial activity.    Bones need to be removed and ground, but are then added back to the NOR soil (unlike with cremation and aquamation).   Implants are recovered at the same time, and maybe reuseable or recycled.   Eventually, the body is transformed into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or land restoration.   With advances in technology and research, NOR is gaining attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional burial and cremation practices.

one variation of a terramation barrel Courtesy of Natural Funeral

WHEN DID NOR START?

The NOR method is similar to the composting process used by farmers to dispose of livestock, which has been used for centuries.

LEGALIZATION & PROVIDERS

NOR was first legalized in the state of Washington in 2019; and, as of February 2023, has since been adopted in Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, California and New York. There are a few companies in the US that provide NOR services, including Recompose (WA), Return Home (WA), and Herland Forest (WA), Earth Funerals (WA), and the Natural Funeral (CO) Canadian residents can currently access human composting services through Return Home, which accepts Canadian bodies at its facility in Washington state and returns the terramated soil to the families.  The company plans to open a facility in Canada once the legislation is approved.

Original Recompose design by Katrina Spade

While the cost of NOR, starting around $5000 USD, combined with the expense of transporting the body to Return Home from Canada can be significant, it's important to consider the ecological benefits and personal values associated with this alternative disposition method.

4. ORGAN AND BODY DONATION

There are programs in Canada where you can donate your body to science, such as the University of British Columbia's Body Donation Program, the University of Alberta's Anatomical Gifts Program, and the University of Calgary’s Body Donation Program.   These programs accept whole-body donations and use them for medical education and research purposes.   In many cases, the family is responsible for the cost of transporting the body to the facility, so that should be considered in planning the estate/will.  
 
Generally, depending on the location, the body can be in the program’s care anywhere from several months up to six years or more.   After that, the remains are cremated and returned to the university in preparation for final disposition.

Additionally, the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) operates a secure site for research in thanatology (SSRT), which allows scientists from several fields to carry out work on the decomposition of human bodies in natural conditions.   See their website and FAQs for more information including costs that the UQTR absorbs, such as body transport to the site within a maximum radius of 250 km.   [Note: their site is mostly in French.]

ARE THESE THE ONLY ECO-FRIENDLY DISPOSITION OPTIONS?

Burial at sea can be considered eco-friendly if certain precautions are taken to ensure that the burial doesn't harm the marine environment.   Both cremated remains and non-cremated remains can be buried at sea.   Visit the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) for more information on burials at sea, and Perfect Memorials has additional information on full-body burial at sea.   Living Reef Memorial Canada creates artificial reefs using the cremated remains of a loved one.   The reefs are made of environmentally safe, marine-grade concrete and are placed in the ocean to create new habitats for marine life.

If you are interested in exploring additional eco-friendly options for end-of-life disposition, including mushroom burial suits and coffins, Promession's freeze-drying method, and Capsula Mundi's egg-shaped burial pod, you can find further information and resources at https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/resources/green-death-technology/.

ACCESSING ECO-CONSCIOUS PROVIDERS

Thanks to Green Burial BC

While a comprehensive directory of green funeral providers does not exist, the links above offer helpful questions to ask when searching for a provider in your area.   Also,the Green Burial Society of Canada has an initial directory of certified green burial grounds in Canada.   Be wary of 'green washing or sheen' — "is when a company promotes itself, its operations, or its products as being more environmentally oriented than they really are.   Also known as “green sheen,” greenwashing is an attempt to deceive consumers by using deceptive advertising or unfounded claims about the environmental sensitivity or benefits of a product or service."" (quote from GBSC) It's important to start looking for a provider early while you and your loved ones are still healthy and ask as many questions as you need to make an informed decision.   CINDEA is aware of some funeral providers who are eco-friendly – contact us.

To start your search, you can also reach out to a local death doula or community deathcare advocate and ask if they are aware of any eco-conscious funeral providers or products.   Check out the End of Life Doula Association of Canada or Death Doula Network International to get started.

Additionally, join the CINDEA-sponsored CAN-ADWEN or the Community Deathcare Canada Facebook group to ask questions and connect with others.

THE DANGER OF SPREADING ASHES

Most people assume that spreading ashes is either nutritional for the soil – or at least of no harm to it. In fact, untreated cremation ashes disrupt the sensitive chemical and biological balance of soils (particularly the pH level) that will cause lasting damage to soil and plant health – even when spreading widely.   Although ashes are not healthy for water, they tend to spread so widely that they are not harmful.   This does, however, raise questions about cremains being used to build new coral reefs. Burying an ash-urn is also not good for the soil, as it will eventually break down.   There are some companies developing an organic compound that will adjust the chemical balance of the ashes, making them safe for spreading or burying.   However, this science is very new; and we don’t have proof that it works, but you may want to try it out – ex. https://letyourlovegrow.com/. Aquamation ashes are sterile, but toxic to plants if all spread in one area.    On the other hand, they can be benefical to the plants mixed with plenty of potting soil.   Your Aquamation provider can provide you with guidance as to the best mixture for your area.

In Canada in general, there are no rules against spreading ashes.   Quebec does have laws (Funeral Operations Act, Article 71,) against spreading ashes where it might be considered disrespectful to the land or person.   If you are considering spreading ashes in a park, graveyard, or any public area, you are responsible to contact the authorities to inquire if it is acceptable.

PLANET-FRIENDLY HOME FUNERALS

A home funeral can be a cost-effective and ecologically conscious option that takes place before the disposition method.   It allows you to care for the body and say goodbye in a comfortable and intimate setting, and begins a healthy grieving process.   It is deeply consistent with ecological forms of disposition, and totally appropriate before green/natural burial, Aquamation, or Recomposition/Terramaton.   Learn more about home funerals at Post-Death Care and Home Funerals/ Community Deathcare.

home funeral training

PET DISPOSITION

In Canada, there are several options for the final disposition of a beloved pet's remains: Burial at home: In most cases, it is legal to bury a pet on private property in Canada, as long as they are buried at a sufficient depth (usually at least 3 feet).   However, it is important to check with your municipality's bylaws to ensure that there are no restrictions or regulations in place. Burial at a pet cemetery: There are several pet cemeteries across Canada that offer burial services for pets, as well as options for cremation and memorialization. Cremation: Many pet owners choose to have their pet's remains cremated, either through a private cremation or a communal one.    Some pet cremation services also offer options for memorialization, such as urns, jewellery, and other keepsakes.

Courtesy of Daisy Deathcare

Alkaline hydrolysis (AH): AH is legal for pets in all states, provinces and territories in Canada and the U.S.A.   The resulting remains can be kept, scattered, or buried.

It is important to note that different regions and municipalities may have different regulations and bylaws regarding pet burial and cremation.   It is recommended to check with local authorities or a pet funeral service for guidance on the best options available in your area.

Similarly to our human loved ones, pets can be kept at home for a pet wake, funeral, or memorial before the disposition takes place.   Search for local pet funeral service providers or visit Daisy Deathcare for information and resources on what you can do when a pet dies.

Check for more options as they come available on CINDEA’s Post-death Page.