Alkaline hydrolysis/water cremation

Alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremation, involves dealing with remains using lye and heat. It mimics the natural breaking down of the body, which can take 25 years, doing so in just two to three hours.

One benefit of alkaline hydrolysis is that it is “greener” than standard cremation. It uses one-eighth the energy, produces less carbon dioxide, and doesn’t release mercury (from tooth fillings) into the air.

Also, as with standard cremation, the family receives powder from leftover bone fragments (similar to ashes) that can be kept in an urn or scattered in a ceremony if one wishes.

However, this method is only available in some states. You can find out if your state allows it by searching for providers at the Cremation Association of North America. Select your location, then select “Crematory, Alkaline Hydrolysis” under “Business Classification.”