Options for Ashes: Creativity in Life's Last Chapter
Haruki Murakami once said, “Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.” Planning ahead for this inevitable reality not only eases the emotional and logistical burden on loved ones, but also gives you a sense of self-determination.
As you may know, cremation offers a degree of flexibility and creativity burial does not. In fact, an ever-growing majority of Americans elect cremation.[1] Should you choose this avenue, we want you to know what's out there. So, we’ve compiled three innovative options for your consideration.
- Coral Reef
With this first alternative, you can have ashes mixed into a structure that provides the basis of a gorgeous coral reef. Eternal Reef’s reef balls, approved by the Green Burial Council[3], are designed to replicate the natural substrata and formation needed for reef development.[4] In California, Living Reef Memorial provides a similar service for as little as $2,400.[5] This option is a beautiful memorialization that continuously gives back—perfect for ocean lovers and environmentalists alike.
- Jewelry
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but anyone can appreciate the beauty of a gem containing the ashes of a loved one (this option is also available for your loved ones with fur). Prices vary depending on color and size preference.[6] Don't worry if you tend toward a more accessible look—other options, including silver, opal, and glass, are available as well.[7] Additionally, jewelry can be crafted from hair, for those wishing to be buried. Keep them close to your heart with a meaningful token of remembrance.
- Tree of Life
Another earth-friendly option is a biodegradable urn which allows your remains to become a beautiful place for friends and family to gather in remembrance. Living Urn is America’s first and leading bio urn. For less than $150, Living Urn allows purchasers to “Grow a Living Memory” of pets and loved ones.[8] You may select your own tree or elect to have one sent at the appropriate time for an additional cost.
A scattering ceremony at sea may be a good fit for those taking a more traditional approach. You have the option of retaining the services of a company or venturing out to sea on your own. In California, ashes can legally be scattered in the ocean, barring a local prohibition, but it is important to remember remains must not be scattered within 500 yards of the shoreline.[9] An alternative to scattering is a biodegradable urn that will dissolve within four hours of being placed in the ocean.[10] State law requires scatterings to be permitted by the county health department and reported to the Environmental Protection Agency.[11]
Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as aquamation or water cremation, accelerates the natural decomposition process, eliminating the need for a burial plot while using less electricity than traditional cremation and eradicating emissions. This process became legal in California on July 1, 2020.[12] This alternative to both burial and cremation occurs when remains are submerged in water with a small amount of alkali and the solution is then heated.[13] According to Bio-Response Solutions, aquamation results in 20% more ash remains being returned to the family.[14]
Sustainability is paramount for many, even in burial. In fact, the Green Burial Council is dedicated to helping people find sustainable after-death options.[15] Several environmentally-friendly burial options include natural burials, mushroom suits, and burial pods. Natural burial or “green” burial allows the deceased to be reunited with the earth using only biodegradable materials, a hand dug grave, and no traditional embalming.[16] Beloved TV star, Luke Perry, was buried in a biodegradable mushroom suit, remaining true to his love of nature, even in death.[17] Finally, a burial pod encapsulates the entire body and is buried with a tree planted above it that will then gather nutrients from the remains.[18] Burial pods are available and legal in the United States. California specifically lists natural burials and cemeteries as both legal and preferable, but requires a permit for burials not taking place in an established cemetery.[19]
At the end of the day, if you want to think outside the box, there are many innovative options available to you, a loved one, even a furry family member. While there is ultimately nothing we can do to avoid life’s last chapter, a myriad of ways exist to creatively predetermine your final resting state and ease the burden grief places on loved ones. Take a little time for yourself today to consider your desires or to talk to a loved one about their wishes.
[1] The U.S. cremation rate in 2018 was 53.1% with a projected rate of 59.4% by 2023. (Cremation Association of North America (https://www.cremationassociation.org/page/IndustryStatistics))
[2] Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0301-funeral-costs-and-pricing-checklist#Funeral_Fees)
[3] The Green Burial Council (https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/)
[4] Eternal Reefs, The Eternal Reefs Story (https://www.eternalreefs.com/the-eternal-reefs-story/)
[5] Living Reef Memorial (https://livingreefmemorial.com/choose-your-reef/)
[6] Heart in Diamond (https://www.heart-in-diamond.com/)
[7] Spirit Pieces (https://www.spiritpieces.com/)
[8] The Living Urn (https://www.thelivingurn.com/)
[9] HSC § 7117(c)
[10] HSC § 7117.1
[11] https://www.cfb.ca.gov/consumer/funeral.shtml
[12] Assembly Bill No. 967, CHAPTER 846 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB967)
[13] CA.gov, Cal Recycle, In the Loop, Green Goodbyes (https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/blogs/in-the-loop/in-the-loop/2018/08/02/green-goodbyes#:~:text=Burial%20Pods&text=Currently%20only%20available%20for%20ashes,while%20also%20cleaning%20the%20air)
[14] https://aquamationinfo.com/
[15] https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/
[16] Joshua Tree Memorial Park, Green Burial (http://www.joshuatreememorialpark.com/green-burial/)
[17] “Luke Perry's daughter says he was buried in a mushroom suit” May 6, 2019
(https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/04/entertainment/luke-perry-mushroom-suit-trnd/index.html)
[18] “The biodegradable burial pod that turns your body into a tree” January 11, 2018 (https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/03/world/eco-solutions-capsula-mundi/index.html)
[19] https://coeio.com/burial-laws-state/