Final Needs Planning – Funeral Service – Burial – Cremation – Alternative Options
What are the other after life options beyond Burial or Cremation? Funeral Service Providers, have you been asked about additional services or asked to provide them?
Jay Requarth, MD, Funeral Insider Inc., Options for this question include green burial (which can be done for less than $2000 total), water cremation (AKA alkaline hydrolysis), whole body burial at sea, embalming followed by display (one Korean leader has been on display for over 30 years). Cremation can be followed by launch into space or the ashes can be mixed with marine concrete to be made into artificial reefs.
Ira S. Pastor, Bioquark, Inc., indicates “one unconventional area you may want to profile is that of becoming a
living cadaver after death, and donating your body to one of the most
promising areas of biomedical research.”
He offers the following: “Medical Research at the Edge of Death Presents Quandry”
“Such work has gone on in many countries for the past few decades, primarily
for using the human model in toxicology, pharmacokinetic, and
pharmacodynamic studies, as well as to practice surgical techniques and test
novel medical devices.”
“However, groups like ours are going to be using it for unique purposes, in
terms of neuro-regeneration.”
“While unpalatable to some, it represents a pathway to exploring some of the
deepest questions man has pondered (where we go after the death of the human
brain), as well as an eventual path to brining you back.”
Lisa Brambilla, Creator of BioUrn®, told us “a green burial option that’s good for the planet,
for pets and forthe people who love them: I’m a wife, mother, pet lover and cancer survivor, who found myself
unemployed, following my treatment for breast cancer in 2010. With a 13
year career in the pet industry in my rear view mirror, I decided to create
a product to help my fellow pet lovers through the loss of their pets.I
channeled my passion for animals with my creativity and created BioUrn for
Pets. BioUrn is a biodegradable cremation urn that grows a living memorial.
Handmade in the USA from 100% organic cotton, BioUrn comes complete with
everything needed to prepare and grow a living tribute to a beloved family
member, and provides comfort for years to come. Now available for both pets
and the people who love them, BioUrn® is a veteran owned, Certified Green
American business.”
Jeff Lewis offered this response from Kerry Potter Founder of the Rockland Community
Foundation’s Green Cemetery Fund, “Don’t rot in a casket.become a tree! The BiosUrn is the world’s first
biodegradable urn designed to convert you into a tree after life.”
She opened Dying to Bloom, her natural burial boutique, in February 2017. Dying to Bloom
features a variety of products that Potter has carefully selected, including
hand-crafted biodegradable caskets, shrouds, unique urns, ash pendant
jewelry and artistic memorial products for people and pets.
Alison from Wonderful Life, offered “beyond burial and cremation, there are a number of other disposition methods available to people today. Here are some of the ones we get asked about:”
- Green burial: As demand for environmentally friendly burial options increases, there are a growing number of green cemeteries in the U.S., certified by the Green Burial Council. Some of the key factors of a green burial include lack of embalming (or embalming with eco-friendly products), use of biodegradable burial containers or shrouds, and restrictions around grave markers in order to preserve natural views. More info here.
- Donation to science: Donated cadavers are an important part of medical and forensic training and research. On top of contributing to important missions, donating your body to science is also one of the cheapest post-death options, as the institution will usually cover transportation, as cremation costs following the research. More info here.
- Burial at sea: Burials at sea originally grew as an efficient disposition method for those who died in the navy, but it’s beginning to become more common among civilians, who favor it as a greener alternative and/or appreciate it as an opportunity to continue to be a part of ocean life. In a full body burial at sea, a body is put overboard in a biodegradable, weighted shroud. More info here.
- Alkaline hydrolysis: Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as liquid cremation, is still only legal in 15 states, but is gaining ground. In the process, the body is submerged in chemicals and broken down over the course of 4-6 hours. Alkaline hydrolysis is also touted as a greener alternative, using only 1/4 of the energy of standard cremation.
The Elephas Group is a family-owned business that has been providing Funeral Planning advice and helping families deal with their times of loss for years. We are the premier provider of personalized funeral plans in Canada, proudly offering a Final Needs Planning Program, a Travel Protection Plan, Final Documents Service, Monument Services and a Supplemental Health Benefit Pharmacard.
Contact The Elephas Group for a free consultation from a Final Needs Planning expert today. We’ll work with you and your family to build an insurance plan best for your needs. For more questions about Final Needs Planning Program™ visit our website or contact one of our consultants at 1-800-661-8908.
