Part of my work as a death doula is to bring some light and conversation (though not always light conversation!) into topics of death and dying that don’t get addressed much.
Compared to other parts of the world, we live in a relatively unusual death denial culture. Since much awareness and conversation about end of life is generally avoided, put off, or buried (!), when it does show up at the foreground of our lives or those of our loved ones, it can drudge up a lot of fear, anxiety, and turbulence.
By offering information and these conversations now, my hope is to familiarize people to the topics around end of life so that when it inevitably comes, it can be a bit less disruptive and a bit more acceptable. After all, death is the most natural part of life.
With that said, I wish you to join me as I walk through the topic of final body disposition.
Aside: When I talk to folks about final body disposition, many people find it quite interesting while some can get a lil queasy talking about it since it can be a strange thing to think about. If you’re in the group that gets queasy, I invite you to observe what comes up in your body, allow it to be there, tread gently and read on at your own pace.
Let’s begin.
The two most common ways of body disposition are the conventional burial and flame cremation. I won’t touch on these two (!) much since most people are already familiar with them. I will preface though with the fact that the alternative options I’ll be reviewing originated in response to the negative environmental impact (high carbon emissions, use of limited real estate and resources) that burials and cremations have been gravely (!) responsible for over time.
It’s a whole new world out here and we have options! Whether you’re a science nerd, a climate advocate, a water baby, or you want to be turned into a tree, it’s possible to find a body disposition option that reflects your values, preferences, ecological footprint, and legacy that you want to leave after you’re gone.
I’ll be providing top line introductory information as well as general costs for the below alternative body disposition options. Please note that costs are specific to facilities that serve the Los Angeles area and may differ based on where you are located.
Human Composting
Green Burial
Water Cremation
Sea Burial
Body Donation
Human Composting: If you want to be a tree!
Process: The body is placed into a vessel along with organic matter such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw. Microbes that naturally occur on the plant material and in our bodies power the transformation into soil. The body breaks down due to the natural action of the microbes. Once the process is complete (about 2 months), the soil is returned to the family and can be used on trees and plants, or donated to conservation efforts. Human composting is currently legal in 7 states. At the moment, while it’s legal in California, there are no functioning human composting facilities established yet. If you would like human composting services, there are facilities in Washington that are able to serve those out of state with an additional transportation fee.
Cost: $5,000-$7,000
Green Burial: If you want to be buried but want to be environmentally conscious!
“A way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.” -Green Burial Council
The requirements of a green burial include: no embalming, the burial container must be made out of 100% biodegradable materials, the body and container is placed directly into the grave where decomposition can take place naturally, graves are not maintained but become part of the natural habitat, and there are no headstones but natural rocks or GPS coordinates to mark the gravesite. (Source: Sacred Crossings Alternative Funeral Home)
Cost: Varies widely based on location. In Joshua Tree, green burial plots can go for $6,000. In Los Angeles, where real estate is limited, plots can go for $22,000-$48,000. This does not include mortuary costs.
Water Cremation: If you prefer water over fire and desire a minimal environmental footprint!
Process: Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, a body is placed in a stainless steel chamber with a heated solution of 95% water and 5% alkali salts such as potassium hydroxide. Using low pressure and heat, the base solution dissolves the body and accelerates natural decomposition, leaving bone fragments and a neutral liquid called effluent. The bone fragments are ground to a fine powder and returned to the family as cremains, similar to cremains from a flame cremation. The effluent is released to the local wastewater treatment authority in accordance with federal, state, or local laws. Water cremation is currently legal in 28 states.
Cost: $4000-$8000
Sea Burial: If you want to “return to the ocean”!
Full body burial at sea is the disposal of human remains off a boat into approved federal waters at the required 6 miles off shore and 600-2000 feet deep. The body is wrapped or in a container made up of biodegradable materials. The memorial service can take place on the boat at sea. This may be the most eco-friendly option.
Costs: $700-$9,000 (depending on coastal port, vessel, and attendance)
Body Donation: If you want to give your body to science!
Whole body donation is not organ and tissue donation but a form of non-transplant anatomical donation made with a medical or scientific program. While reputable learning institutions such as USC and the UC schools have programs for anatomical gifts, specific details regarding how bodies are studied and/or used for research are not available once the body is donated. Depending on the institution, final disposition after the body is used for research is either flame or water cremation.
*Cost: $0 (as long as the body is within the specific pick up parameters)
Well, there you have it folks. A couple more wrinkles in your brains and perhaps a fun and unusual Did You Know? to use at parties!
If you’d like more information or have questions comparing these options, reach out and email me (hello@erikalim.com)! I have more to share! I’ve researched local facilities, pricing, and process details for any curiosities you may have on your mind.
Finally, because this course is called “The Funky Stuff,” here’s an appropriate head bobber to celebrate our body’s inevitable “Fantastic Voyage.”
Love y’all,
Erika