Human composting and aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) produce different end results:
Human Composting:
1. End Product:
– Human composting produces nutrient-rich compost as the end result.
– The compost is similar to organic compost produced from plant materials and can be used to nourish soil, improve soil structure, and support plant growth.
2. Composition:
– The compost produced through human composting contains organic matter from both the deceased and any additional organic materials, such as wood chips, straw, or sawdust, used to facilitate decomposition.
– The compost undergoes natural decomposition processes and is rich in nutrients, microorganisms, and organic matter.
3. Use:
– The compost can be used to nourish soil, improve soil health and fertility, and support plant growth.
– It can be used in landscaping, gardening, agriculture, and restoration projects.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis):
1. End Product:
– Aquamation produces two main end products: a sterile liquid solution and bone fragments.
– The liquid solution is often referred to as “aquamated remains” and is sterile and environmentally safe.
– The bone fragments are processed into a fine powder similar to cremated remains.
2. Composition:
– The sterile liquid solution contains water, salts, and other water-soluble organic and inorganic compounds.
– The bone fragments are the remaining mineral components of the deceased, primarily calcium phosphate.
3. Use:
– The sterile liquid solution can be safely discharged into the municipal water system without harmful environmental effects.
– The bone powder can be returned to the family for memorialization, scattered, buried, or used in other ways similar to cremated remains.
Comparison:
1. Nature of End Products:
– Human composting produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish soil and support plant growth.
– Aquamation produces a sterile liquid solution and bone fragments that can be returned to the environment or memorialized in various ways.
2. Environmental Impact:
– Human composting contributes to soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration by producing nutrient-rich compost.
– Aquamation minimizes environmental impact by producing a sterile liquid solution that can be safely discharged into the municipal water system.
3. Use and Memorialization:
– The end product of human composting (compost) can be used in landscaping, gardening, agriculture, and restoration projects.
– The end products of aquamation (liquid solution and bone powder) can be memorialized in various ways, similar to cremated remains.
In summary, while both human composting and aquamation are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial and cremation methods, they produce different end results. Human composting produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish soil and support plant growth, while aquamation produces a sterile liquid solution and bone fragments that can be memorialized in various ways or returned to the environment.
How Does the Cost of Human Composting Compare with Aquamation?
Human composting and aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) differ in terms of cost:
Human Composting:
1. Cost Overview:
– The cost of human composting can vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, and additional services chosen.
– Generally, human composting tends to be more cost-effective compared to traditional burial and cremation methods, but the cost can vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances.
2. Cost Components:
The cost of human composting may include:
– Facility fees for the composting process
– Transportation of the deceased to the composting facility
– Preparation of the deceased for composting
– Use of composting materials (e.g., wood chips, straw)
– Final disposition of the composted remains (e.g., return to family, scattering, burial)
3. Factors Affecting Cost:
The cost of human composting may vary depending on factors such as:
– Location: Costs may vary depending on the region, city, or state where the composting facility is located.
– Service Provider: Different providers may offer different packages and pricing structures for human composting services.
– Additional Services: Costs may vary depending on additional services chosen, such as memorialization options or transportation arrangements.
Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis):
1. Cost Overview:
The cost of aquamation can vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, and additional services chosen.
Aquamation tends to be more expensive than human composting but may be comparable to or slightly less expensive than traditional burial or cremation methods.
2. Cost Components:
The cost of aquamation may include:
Facility fees for the aquamation process
Transportation of the deceased to the aquamation facility
Preparation of the deceased for aquamation
Use of alkaline solution and energy for the aquamation process
Final disposition of the aquamated remains (e.g., return to family, scattering, burial)
3. Factors Affecting Cost:
The cost of aquamation may vary depending on factors such as:
Location: Costs may vary depending on the region, city, or state where the aquamation facility is located.
Service Provider: Different providers may offer different packages and pricing structures for aquamation services.
Additional Services: Costs may vary depending on additional services chosen, such as memorialization options or transportation arrangements.
Comparison:
1. Relative Cost:
Human composting tends to be more cost-effective compared to aquamation, traditional burial, and cremation methods.
Aquamation may be slightly more expensive than human composting but may be comparable to or slightly less expensive than traditional burial or cremation methods.
2. Factors to Consider:
When comparing the cost of human composting and aquamation, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, service provider, additional services, and individual preferences.
Individuals should research and compare pricing options from different providers to find the option that best fits their budget and needs.
In summary, while both human composting and aquamation offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial and cremation methods, human composting tends to be more cost-effective compared to aquamation. However, the cost of both methods can vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, additional services, and individual preferences.
