What will happen to your body when you die?
Like most people in the UK, you will want your body to be buried or cremated after you die. You may have considered donating your body to medical science, with cremation to follow.
But burial can be expensive, and cemeteries are often full up. The cost of burial, and lack of space, helped cremation become popular in the twentieth century. However, the emissions from crematoria contribute to pollutants in the atmosphere. The Natural Death Centre argues that burial can be a better choice from an environmental perspective.
Do you know about the new alternatives?
You might have ‘greener’ choices in the future. There is lots of innovation addressing how to deal with our remains.
There are two new options, but not in the UK. Water cremation (resomation) gently breaks down the body without emissions. The remaining solution does not harm the environment. Human composting (terramation) turns the body into a nutrient rich compost in a special chamber within eight weeks.
Both methods claim to be kinder to the earth’s environment than cremation. These other methods means that there will be less demand for burial grounds in the future.
Cemeteries have a legacy
I love walking around old cemeteries. I like the idea of burial with a memorial headstone. My local church cemetery has some fascinating memorial designs, people’s names, and their brief stories inscribed in stone. Family historians love them too!
Cemeteries can be green lungs in urban areas and offer havens to wildlife. But they need love and care which comes at a cost or needs volunteers.
The idea of human composting, or something similar, also appeals to me. I am a gardener and I would like my body to make a small contribution to the productivity of the land after I am gone. Does it matter if there is not a memorial stone?
Are our choices legally binding?
How do you guarantee your wishes regarding what happens to your body when you die? You probably hope that your relatives will acknowledge and follow your wishes. If you have bought a funeral plan, you may have made your choice known to the funeral director. However, none of your wishes are legally binding.
The law is changing
The Law Commission is reviewing the law around this topic. Stakeholders have an opportunity to comment on the consultation before 9th January 2025 on burial and cremation. I will be attending an information event at the University of Bath on the 26th November 2024 and will write my thoughts on my Facebook and LinkedIn pages following that event.
How can I help you?
I offer end-of-life ceremonies for burials and cremations. Do remember you can have a ceremony before or after burial or cremation at different types of venues (village hall, back garden, pub, art gallery). Please contact me to discuss your ceremony needs.
©Juliet Jain Celebrant, October 2024
