Traditional cremation methods are set to be put on the back burner now that the environmentally friendly ‘water cremation’ is being introduced to the UK.
With climate change being an important topic of discussion in recent years, many aspects of life are changing for the better in a bid to help preserve our planet.
In a groundbreaking development set to revolutionalise the funeral industry, a new eco-friendly cremation method is being introduced to the UK, known as ‘water cremation’. Here is all you need to know about this innovative approach.
Environmentally friendly funerals – water cremation to be introduced in the UK
A process once described as a ‘boil in the bag’ scenario will see a new environmentally friendly cremation, significantly impacting the world.
Breaking away from traditional methods of cremation, which are doing more harm than good to our planet, this new environmentally conscious method of dealing with human remains is set to be a welcomed sustainable approach.
While this method has gained legal recognition across various countries like the USA, Canada and South Africa, the UK is now preparing to join the list by embracing this new alternative.
Water cremation, also known as aquamation, which sees human remains dissolve in heated water instead of being turned into ashes, is said to have a host of advantages regarding sustainability.
The advantages of water cremation – saving the planet
Advocates of water cremation highlight its numerous advantages, especially its significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Many people might not be aware that traditional cremation methods release around 245kg of carbon emissions per cremation; water cremation is estimated to cut that figure in half.
The process involves submerging the deceased body in a specially designed bag known as a ‘bio pouch’ with a chamber filled with heated water, which has been treated with an alkali solution.
The body then takes four hours to dissolve, leaving only the skeletal remains, which are then transformed into a fine powder and given to the family, similar to ashes.
Speaking about this new innovative method of cremation, Prof Douglas Davies said, “The UK has a history of innovation when it comes to compassionately, practically and hygienically managing the disposal of bodies after death”.
He adds, “Cremation grew in popularity throughout the 20th century and overtook burial in the 1960s as the preferred method of disposal for people”.
A gentle farewell – water cremation set to revolutionise the UK
With many people wanting to offset their carbon footprint, there is no doubt that people will jump at the chance to take advantage of a more compassionate farewell for their loved ones.
Co-op Funeral Care, the largest funeral provider in the UK, is expected to offer water cremation in the northeastern region of England.
At the same time, a recent poll indicated that one-third of people expressed interest in choosing this innovative and environmentally conscious option.
Water cremation may still be a new idea to many, but it looks like more and more people will back this groundbreaking practice that is set to reshape the funeral landscape of the UK and perhaps the rest of the world.