If you think that Henrietta, NY cremation services might be right for your loved one, you may want to arrange for green services. If you need help deciding if it’s the right option for your loved one, keep these points in mind.
Green cremation is a process of disposition of the human body after death that uses water and an alkaline solution to dissolve the body. During green cremation, the body is placed in a stainless-steel chamber filled with water and an alkaline solution such as potassium hydroxide. The chamber is then heated and pressurized, which accelerates the chemical reaction and reduces the body to bone fragments and a liquid solution.
Compared to traditional cremation that uses fire, green cremation produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants. Green cremation is considered an eco-friendly option as it consumes less energy and natural resources than traditional cremation, making it a more sustainable end-of-life option.
After green cremation, the liquid solution can be safely returned to the earth as a non-toxic and nutrient-rich fertilizer. The bone fragments left behind can be further processed and returned to the family in an urn or scattered in a meaningful location. Green cremation is legal in some states and provinces and is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek environmentally conscious end-of-life options.
How Does It Work?
Preparation: The body is prepared for the green cremation process by removing any medical devices, such as pacemakers or implants, that could cause damage to the equipment. The body is then placed in a stainless steel vessel, which is sealed to prevent any leakage.
Alkaline solution: A mixture of water and an alkaline solution, usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, is added to the vessel. The solution is heated to a high temperature and pressurized, which accelerates the chemical reaction and dissolves the body tissues.
Dissolving: Over a period of several hours, the alkaline solution breaks down the body tissues, leaving only the bones
and any metal implants, which can be removed and processed separately. The liquid that remains is sterile and can be safely disposed of, or in some cases, returned to the earth as a fertilizer.
Final processing: The bone fragments that remain are dried and then ground into a fine powder, which is then placed in an urn or container and returned to the family.
Green cremation is a relatively new technology, but it is gaining popularity as more people seek environmentally friendly end-of-life options. It produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional cremation and uses less energy and resources overall. Additionally, the sterile liquid that remains after the process can be safely disposed of or returned to the earth as a fertilizer, making it a more sustainable option.
If you are looking for help planning your Henrietta, NY cremation services, be sure to reach out to us. We are happy to help with all your funeral and cremation planning needs. Give us a call today to learn more about all the ways we can help you.