Aquamation, or water cremation, is an alternative to traditional cremation and burial that has been gaining popularity, especially as people seek more eco-friendly ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. While this process has many benefits, there are still misconceptions that can confuse those who are considering it. In this post, we will address five common misconceptions about aquamation and provide the facts to help you make an informed decision.
Aquamation, sometimes referred to as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, has sparked interest in recent years due to its environmentally friendly nature. By using water, heat, and an alkaline solution, aquamation breaks down the body into its basic elements in a much gentler process compared to traditional cremation. Although the method is becoming more widely accepted, it’s still relatively new to many, and some misunderstandings persist. Here, we’ll set the record straight about some of the most common myths.
Misconception #1: Aquamation Is Just the Same as Traditional Cremation
Many people assume that aquamation is essentially the same as cremation, but this is far from the truth. While both processes are used for body disposition, they differ greatly in their methods and environmental impacts.
The Truth: Aquamation uses a water-based process to decompose the body, whereas traditional cremation relies on high heat and fire. In aquamation, the body is placed in a special chamber where it is exposed to an alkaline solution and heated water. This breaks down the body into its fundamental elements, leaving only the bones. Traditional cremation, on the other hand, uses flames that can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the atmosphere.
One of the main reasons that aquamation is gaining traction is its environmentally friendly nature. Unlike traditional cremation, which emits carbon dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants, aquamation uses significantly less energy and produces no harmful emissions.
Misconception #2: Aquamation Is a New and Unproven Process
Aquamation has existed in various forms for over a century, but it’s only recently been recognized as a mainstream option for both human and pet disposition. Despite this, some still believe it’s a new or untested technology.
The Truth: Aquamation was first developed in the late 19th century and has been used in scientific and medical fields for decades. In recent years, it has been adopted as an alternative to traditional cremation, especially due to the increasing desire for sustainable and ethical end-of-life options. It has proven to be a reliable and effective method for breaking down organic matter, with numerous studies supporting its safety and efficacy.
Misconception #3: Aquamation Takes a Long Time to Complete
Some people assume that aquamation is a lengthy process, but when compared to other end-of-life methods, it’s quite efficient.
The Truth: According to Compassionate Care, a trusted pet cremation service provider in Portland, aquamation takes 6 to 18 hours, depending on the size of the body and other factors. The article also explains what aquamation is and how it works.
Additionally, since aquamation is done in a controlled, water-based environment, the process is gentle and ensures that the remains are completely processed in an eco-friendly manner. No matter the type of disposition, the goal is always the same: to leave behind a respectful and meaningful tribute to the deceased, while minimizing environmental impact.
Misconception #4: Aquamation Leaves Behind Only Liquid Waste
It’s easy to assume that a water-based process would result in liquid waste, but this is a common misunderstanding about how aquamation works.
The Truth: After the aquamation process, what remains is very similar to the cremated remains (or “ashes”) from traditional cremation. The bones are softened and processed into a fine, white powder, which can then be returned to the family in an urn or another container. The liquid byproduct consists primarily of water, minerals, and amino acids, and is safely neutralized before being returned to the environment. It does not pose any risk of contamination or pollution.
In fact, this liquid byproduct is often used as fertilizer in agricultural settings, demonstrating that it’s a safe, non-toxic, and environmentally beneficial resource.
Misconception #5: Aquamation Is More Expensive Than Cremation or Burial
Many believe that because aquamation is a newer process, it must be more expensive than traditional cremation or burial. However, this isn’t always the case.
The Truth: While the cost of aquamation can vary depending on location, provider, and the specifics of the service, it is often comparable to traditional cremation and can sometimes be more affordable than burial. The price for aquamation typically includes the cost of the process, transportation, and return of the remains, which may be similar to the fees charged by crematoriums.
Conclusion
Aquamation provides an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional cremation and burial, offering a peaceful and respectful way to say goodbye to loved ones. While there are still misconceptions about the process, understanding the facts behind aquamation can help clarify any concerns you may have.
