Alternative to flame cremation using water instead of fire to return the body back to mother nature
Alkaline hydrolysis is the gentle process used to dissolve the body into liquid
Resulting sterile liquid can be returned in vessel
Eco-friendly option with lower carbon footprint than fire cremation or traditional burial
Not yet legal in every state
Burial
Traditional burial
Involves embalming and dressing, can include a viewing and/or funeral service, and casket with body is placed into the earth at a cemetery, private property, family plot, or burial at sea (EPA regulated)
Most expensive option
Green burial (direct burial)
Occurs soon after death; does not use chemicals and body is not embalmed
Usually no viewing
Body placed in wooden casket, shroud, or mushroom suit (shroud embedded with mushroom spores to accelerate decomposition and integration into the earth)