Estate Planning

Cremations Go Green

By Hull & Hull LLP

I have previously blogged about the trend toward more environmentally-friendly burials and recently came across an article about bio-cremation. 

Cremation, as it turns out, is not a 'green' way to lay a loved one to rest. A standard cremation releases about 900 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air (not to mention other chemicals) – as well as the same amount of energy (in the form as natural gas and energy) as it would take to drive from Toronto to Boston. 

A more environmentally-friendly solution is 'bio-cremation', a chemical body-disposal process used for disposing of lab animals or bodies used for medical research.   The process, called alkaline hydrolysis, entails submerging a body in a water-filled stainless steel chamber. Heat, pressure, and chemicals are then added to dissolve the tissue. After about two hours, bones that remain can be crushed and returned to the family, in the same way as traditional cremation. 

Bio-cremation comes with a hefty price tag – it is about four times more expensive than traditional cremation. However, the process uses 1/10 the natural gas and 1/3 the electricity as traditional cremation and emits 90% less carbon dioxide. 

For those interested, the process is not yet available in Canada. A Pittsburgh-based company is set to start offering it in the United States this coming January, while a Toronto-based company is hoping to bring it to this country in the spring.    

Have a great day!

Megan F. Connolly

Megan F. Connolly - Click here for more information on Megan Connolly.

Full post as published by Toronto Estate Law Blog on December 02, 2009 (boomark / email).