Aquamation

Aquamation at Foothill FuneralThe scientific name for Aquamation is alkaline hydrolysis. What is it? It is a safe, natural, gentler alternative to traditional cremation. Aquamation emulates the natural process which occurs when a caretaker buries a body in soil. In this process, the gentle movement of warm, alkaline water breaks down human tissue and bone quickly and simultaneously more effectively than cremation.

The Environmental ChoiceWorld Earth Day Concept. Green Energy, Renewable and Sustainable Resources. Environmental and Ecology Care. Hand Embracing Green Leaf and Handmade Globe

For anyone interested in living as environmentally conscious in death as they did in life, Aquamation is the most elegant solution for final disposition. The process does not burn fossil fuels. It releases no toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. In fact, the process relies on electricity. As society moves towards cleaner energy, electricity is more environmentally friendly than other alternatives. Aquamation imparts a far less negative impact on the environment than any other method.

A Brief History

Onyx stone cremation urn for ashes on a wooden tableFuneral directors around the world have used Aquamation since 1995. Initially, scientists practiced the procedure on bodies which had been donated to medical science. However, it has since become more mainstream. The first aquamation facility to take care of pets opened in 2007, followed by a funeral home in 2011. Currently, the process is legal to use on animals in all 50 states and on humans in 21 states, with more soon to come. In California, where Foothill Funeral is based, the process is legal. At FFC, we plan to include it, at some point, in our list of offerings.

The Aquamation ProcessEmbalming funeral home

After the family of the deceased performs viewings (including embalming, if desired), the body is placed inside a stainless-steel container. Then, funeral directors fill the steel chamber with alkali and water. Then, they heat the vessel and lightly stir for 6-20 hours. Pressure initiates the water and alkaline chemical process, causing a chemical reaction. Time varies based on body mass. For example, a body that weighs 100 lbs. could take 6 hours to process, while another body that weighs 250 lbs. could take 12. When the process is complete, the funeral director rinses the remains with fresh water. When the funeral service professional opens the door to the chamber, all that remains are inorganic materials. The final step in the process is for a final processing of the bones so they dry out. The bones require processing to obtain a fine “ash” consistency.

Greenhouse gasesBenefits of Aquamation:

  • Uses 90 percent less energy than flame cremation.
  • Produces zero emissions of harmful greenhouse gasses.
  • Leaves 20 percent more ash remaining for family and friends than with flame cremation.
  • 80 percent of people choose this method over standard cremation, when given the choice.
  • Is gentler than flame cremation.

Why Choose AquamationFFC White Powder

In addition to the benefits of being environmentally friendly, Aquamation is as inexpensive as cremation. And it is far cheaper than traditional burial. In addition, instead of leaving bone fragments behind, the remains include a fine, white powder. What’s more, the family receives 20-30% more of their loved one’s remains than they do following cremation, since some cremains go up in smoke. Also, in cremation, the remains are not pure. In many cases, they are mixed with the box which held the body when it entered the crematorium.

Stay tuned for updates about the Aquamation we plan to offer shortly at Foothill Funeral & Cremation.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation Services

We plan to incorporate Aquamation into our service offerings shortly. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.