Death Care Resource Center

The process of death and grief can be overwhelming and stressful, but there are many resources available to assist you. Use this resource center to explore all things Human Composting, alkaline hydrolysis, funeral services, burial, cremation, and green burial. Article are added frequently, so check back for more!

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Terramation

Terramation, also known as human composting or natural organic reduction, is a relatively new disposition method. The body is placed in vessel along with a combination of wood chips, straw, and sawdust, where it is broken down by the body’s microorganisms over a period of 60-90 days. This process yields nutrient-rich soil suitable for gardening, memorials, or other uses.

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation, is a method of breaking down the body into an ash-like consistency using extreme pressure water, alkaline chemicals. The body is broken down in a heated and pressurized system, but unlike cremation, this process doesn’t use flame at all. The resulting remains are ash-like and safe to handle just like cremated remains.

Funeral

Funeral services are a means to commemorate and celebrate the life of a loved one. These services can be customized to the family’s requirements and values and might include musical performances, eulogies, and religious or cultural customs and more. A wide range of services, including various disposition methods, body transportation, and document filing are available from funeral homes.

Burial

Burial is the act of burying a body in the ground, often embalmed and contained within a casket. With authorization, this can be done in a cemetery or on private land. Some things you may need to prepare for or facilitate a burial include embalming, selecting a casket, selecting a burial plot, and holding memorial services.

Cremation

The process of cremation involves reducing the body to ash using extreme heat via a furnace. The remaining ash might either be kept in an urn or scattered at a location that held dear to you or your loved one. Cremation might be a suitable alternative for those who want a more straightforward process because it is frequently less expensive and much faster than planning a traditional burial.

Green Burial

Green burial is a sustainable and earth-friendly method of disposition. This technique avoids the use of embalming chemicals by employing biodegradable methods instead, like the use an untreated wooden casket or shroud. This enables the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.