Death is an inevitable part of life. But while we prefer not to reflect on it for too long, there comes a time when we have to say goodbye to a loved one. In addition to the grief this brings, we also have to make a choice about the final transformation and resting place.
* Because every country and location is different I kept the upcoming information as general as possible for you. Examples are from the Netherlands.
Several options are possible. Because the sustainable options of promerium, aqua creation and home compost have not yet been approved by law, the seaman's grave is very specific and there is usually a waiting list for making a body available to science, I will only discuss the remaining and most common ones. These are (natural) burial, resomation and cremation.
Natural burial: Honest farewell in pure beauty.
Natural burial stands for eternal peace in nature. Surrounded by trees, flowers and singing birds. You can rest here in an eternal embrace of wondrous beauty. You become one with nature, in perfect serenity.
Natural burial is a valuable choice and gift for people and the environment. Natural cemeteries are seen as a valuable resting place for people and animals. The peace and space in these places contribute to the well-being of both people and animals.
Resomation: Natural return with water
Resomation is a kind of cremation, but with water instead of fire. A reassuring option for many people. It is the dissolution of a body in a heated liquid after death. During resomation, the body is composted at an accelerated rate in an alkaline solution of water and minerals. It results in a mineral-rich substance that can be scattered in nature or used to grow trees.
This can be done at a natural cemetery in a biodegradable urn in special fields or scattering areas. Keeping it close at home in an urn of choice or scattering is ofcourse also possible. It can also be buried in a columbarium (urn wall) at a traditional cemetery. Special memorial jewelry in which a small amount of this can be incorporated are also beautiful.
Burial: Rest in the earth
We have been burying our dead for centuries. It is a tradition that gives a feeling of connection with the earth and with those who have gone before us.
Cemeteries are often serene places where you can mourn and commemorate in peace. As you walk the paths, you will see carefully maintained graves, decorated with flowers, headstones and monuments. They tell us stories of the past, of loves won and lost, of lives lived and memories cherished.
Cremation: Fire as a symbol of transformation
During cremation, the body of the deceased is burned in a special cremation oven. Cremation is seen as a cleaner and space-saving option than burial.
Are you looking for a cremation, that suits your environmentally conscious lifestyle better? There are crematoria as a more sustainable option. They use for example electric ovens, solar panels, a hot water reservoir to meet their energy needs and sustainable catering. The options for a final resting place with the remaining ashes are the same as with the remaining material after resomation.
Method | Description | Sustain-ability | Advantages | Disad-vantages | Cost |
Natural Burial | Burial in a natural area without a coffin or gravestone. | High | Natural, peaceful, promotes biodiversity. | Limited locations available, not always allowed. | Low - Average |
Resomation | Body accelerated composted in alkaline solution. | High | More sustainable than cremation, less CO2 emissions, resulting mineral ash can be scattered. | New technology, not yet available everywhere,legal rules still unclear. | Average - High |
Promerion | Body converted to powder with liquid. | High | Sustainable, no waste products, choice between scattering or monument. | New technology, not yet available everywhere. | High |
Aquamation | Body converted to liquid with water and alkalis. | High | Sustainable, no combustion, liquid can be scattered in the sea or lake. | New technology, not yet available everywhere. | High |
Home Composting | Body composted in a special compost bin (storage place with organic material). | Average - High | Sustainable, circular, resulting compost can feed trees or be scattered. | New technology, requires special compost bin, legal rules still unclear. | Low - Average |
Seaman's Grave | Body buried at sea. | Average | Unique ceremony, connection to the sea. | Can cause pollution from materials in the body. | Average |
Science Donation | Body made available for research or education. | Average | Contribution to science and medical education. | Body no longer available to loved ones, consent required. | Low + Average (depending on research) |
Casket Burial | Traditional method: body in a casket in the ground. | Low - Average | Tangible monument, mourning place for loved ones. | Takes up a lot of space, can cause pollution from casket and gravestone. | Average - High |
Cremation | Body burned in an oven, ashes kept in an urn or scattered. | Low | Less space-consuming than burial, choice between keeping or scattering. | The combustion process emits CO2, the urn can produce additional waste. | Low - Average |
Summarizing all (almost) possibilities for a final resting place in the Netherlands.
Which choice suits you?
The choice between natural burial, resomation, burial or cremation is a personal choice. Every choice you make is a good one. Think carefully about what is important to you and your loved ones. Do you want to have a tangible place where you can go to grieve? Are you concerned about the environment? You can talk to family, friends or a funeral director about your wishes. If necessary, record your choice in a will or in a codicil, so that your surviving relatives know what you want. How you want to go and choosing a final resting place is an important decision. Take the time to explore the different options and choose what feels best for you and your loved ones.
Let it sink in and, above all, listen to your heart. You will feel what you would like most and what makes you feel best. Good luck with your choice and therefore a reassuring choice.
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Take care,
Debby
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