Aquamation and Human Composting: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Burial

In October 2025, the news highlights the growing interest in eco-friendly burial alternatives to traditional methods. Two innovative options have gained attention: Aquamation and human composting.

Aquamation, a process using water to rapidly break down bodies, has been available in several Canadian provinces for over a decade. It produces less emissions and more solid remains than flame cremation. The process also allows for the recovery of medical implants, unlike traditional burial. However, the environmental benefits were not the primary driver for most families, who were more interested in finding an alternative to cremation.

Another emerging option is human composting, which places bodies with plant matter in a vessel to create soil within months. This method also enables the recovery of medical implants and claims to use less energy than cremation. Proponents say the appeal is the personal connection to the soil and the idea of one's remains becoming part of the natural environment.

While these alternatives are not yet widely adopted, they reflect a growing trend towards more sustainable death practices that aim to reduce environmental impact. Experts caution that the long-term effects of the liquid and solid remains from these methods require further study, but both Aquamation and human composting show promise as eco-friendly options for the future.