Water cremation – the ‘greener alternative’ burial method

Death can be simply described as the end of life.

Unlike most living organisms, as humans, there is a clear need to lay the earthly remains of a person to rest through holding a funeral.

While planning a funeral is always an emotional experience, it can also be costly if the grieving family does not have funeral cover.

Many decisions have to be made with regard to funeral arrangements, such as casket or coffin, a traditional burial or fire cremation, which can be overwhelming.

But many people have not heard about water cremation.

Scientifically known as ‘alkaline hydrolysis’ or aquamation, green cremation and resomation, the process mimics the decomposition from grave burial but at an accelerated pace.

Involving heated water and an alkali solution, water cremation is deemed the organic decomposition of mortal remains owing to its lower carbon footprint and no greenhouse gases.

Aquamation is deemed the ‘green alternative’ to flame-based cremation.

This process was introduced and legalised in South Africa in 2019, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu being water cremated in December 2021.

Just like fire cremation, the family will receive their loved one’s remains in an urn.

Despite the process becoming more popular of late, it was founded in 1888 for animal remains.

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