The life expectancy in America is 77.5 years of age, according to the CDC. Despite this, death is unpredictable.
When considering after-life care, families often look for eco-friendly funeral options that fit their values and beliefs. Two popular choices are aquamation and traditional cremation. Both offer respectful and dignified methods for handling human remains.
Still, these processes differ in several main aspects, including their environmental impact and the specific procedures involved. Are you interested in the details? Read on to learn a detailed comparison of aquamation vs. cremation.
You may have heard aquamation referred to as the following:
Either way, it’s a relatively new method that involves using water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to break down the body’s tissues. Aquamation was first developed in the late 19th century for animal disposal, and now it’s used for human remains. The process is considered a gentler and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation.
Traditional cremation, often known as fire cremation, has been in practice for thousands of years. It involves incinerating a body at high temperatures, typically between 1,400 and 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, to reduce it to ashes.
The process takes place in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber. While popular for its simplicity, cremation raises environmental concerns, mostly due to carbon emissions and the release of harmful chemicals like mercury from dental fillings.
Although they’re both alternatives to internment, these two options are quite different from each other. Are you wondering what the processes involve?
The process of aquamation involves placing the body in a stainless steel chamber. The chamber contains a solution of around 95% water and 5% of either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
A professional raises the temperature to about 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, the solution circulates for anywhere from six to 12 hours at a gentle speed.
During this time, the alkaline hydrolysis process dissolves soft tissues, leaving behind the skeletal remains. The remains are processed into a fine, powder-like substance. One could say that they appear similar to cremation ashes.
You’ll be glad to know that the powder is returned to the family and is often used in the same ways as cremated remains. Examples include scattering, interment, or storing them in a beautiful urn.
Traditional cremation begins with placing the body in a coffin or container and then into the cremation chamber. At that point, the body will experience extreme heat for up to two hours.
Using such intense heat reduces the body to bone fragments and ashes. After cooling, the remaining bone pieces are turned into a powder with a fine consistency. Like aquamation, the ashes are returned to the family. They’ll be in either an urn or another container of the family’s choice.
Afterward, one can scatter, bury, or keep the cremated remains in a memorial location.
One of the most significant differences between aquamation and traditional cremation is their environmental impact. It’s worth taking a closer look at the differences.
Aquamation is often lauded as a more eco-friendly funeral option because it uses far less energy than cremation. The process consumes around 1/10th of the energy of fire cremation and does not release harmful greenhouse gases like the following:
Plus, the water used in aquamation is filtered and neutralized before being safely returned to the water supply. Doing this makes it a sustainable choice for those concerned about their carbon footprint.
On the other hand, traditional cremation requires burning fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions. While it depends, one cremation could release around 880 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. Plus, the incineration process may release some harmful substances, such as mercury from one’s dental fillings, as well as other trace metals and dioxins.
Still, cremation remains a popular choice because it requires less physical space than burial and does not involve the long-term environmental impact of a casket and embalming chemicals used in burial.
Cost is a significant factor in deciding between aquamation and cremation. Both methods are generally less expensive than traditional burial, but their costs differ due to the procedures and equipment involved.
The cost of aquamation can vary depending on the location, the services chosen, and the availability of providers. However, on average, aquamation costs are slightly higher than those of traditional cremation.
The price often ranges between $2,000 and $3,000, which includes the aquamation process itself, as well as transport, paperwork, and a basic urn. While these costs might seem higher than cremation, many families find the environmentally friendly aspect of aquamation to be worth the additional expense.
Cremation, by comparison, tends to be more affordable. Basic cremation costs range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the funeral home and whether it comes with additional services. For instance, it could include a memorial or viewing.
Direct cremation involves only the cremation process without a formal funeral service. As such, it’s the least expensive option and can cost as little as $800 to $1,500. In general, cremation is often seen as one of the most affordable methods of final disposition.
While there is no one set cost, you can take into account the key aspects that affect the final funeral price. Are you wondering what they involve?
Both aquamation and cremation costs can vary quite a bit based on the type of service chosen.
For example, if a family opts for a full funeral service with embalming, viewing, and a memorial, the price can increase substantially. Such services often add another $1,500 to $3,000 to the overall cost for either method.
The cost of an urn or memorial can also impact the final price. Basic urns are often included in the cremation or aquamation package.
Custom or decorative urns can cost anywhere from less than one hundred dollars to several hundred dollars. Costs for interment in a cemetery, columbarium, or memorial garden can add to the expense.
Funeral costs can differ based on location. In regions where aquamation is newer or not as available, prices could be higher due to the limitation of facilities.
In contrast, cremation boasts a wider accessibility, often making it the more economical choice in many areas.
When deciding between aquamation and cremation, it’s essential to consider several factors, including your environmental values, budget, and more. Are you wondering what you need to consider?
Are you dedicated to reducing your carbon footprint? If it’s a major priority for you, aquamation may be the better choice.
Its eco-friendly funeral options involve the following:
For some families, religious or cultural beliefs may dictate which method to choose. While cremation is widely accepted in many traditions, aquamation is still relatively new and may not be recognized in certain faith communities. It’s important to consult with your religious advisor or local leaders if this is a concern.
Both methods are more affordable than traditional burial, but cremation tends to be less expensive than aquamation. If budget constraints are a concern, cremation offers a more economical solution while still providing a respectful and dignified method of disposition.
Aquamation is not yet as widely available as cremation, so you may need to check with local funeral homes or crematories to see if they offer it. In regions where aquamation is limited, the cost may be higher due to the need for specialized equipment and fewer providers.
More and more people find themselves worried about their environmental impact. It’s good news that both aquamation and cremation could evolve in all kinds of ways.
Many funeral homes are investing in more sustainable practices. It includes carbon offset programs and the use of green cremation techniques that aim to reduce emissions further.
Aquamation, in particular, is gaining popularity as a green alternative to traditional burial and cremation. With increasing demand for more eco-friendly funeral options, there’s a good chance that the cost of aquamation will decrease over time as it becomes more accepted and available.
Now, you can have the essential information to choose between aquamation vs. cremation. As long as you choose a reputable service provider, you can feel confident, knowing you’re in good hands.
You can rely on Lone Star Cremation. We provide various cremation packages so that you can get the service that fits your specific needs. For example, you can choose between a basic plan, a priority plan, and a premium plan.
Do you have questions about our packages or something similar? If so, don’t wait to book an appointment with Lone Star Cremation.
Contact | Obituaries | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Our Commitment to Accessibility |Fort Worth Cremation Services | Dallas Cremation Services | Website by FRM Websites
