Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation that is gaining attention from various notable individuals. This method, which involves using water and an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition process, has been chosen by several high-profile figures for its minimal environmental impact. Aquamation eliminates the need for fossil fuels, produces no greenhouse gas emissions, and uses less energy compared to traditional flame-based cremation, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize sustainability.
What is Aquamation?
Aquamation involves placing the body in a stainless-steel chamber filled with a mixture of water and alkaline compounds, such as potassium hydroxide. This solution, combined with gentle heat and pressure, breaks down the body’s tissues over a period of several hours, leaving behind only bone fragments and a sterile liquid. The bone fragments are then processed into a fine powder and returned to the family in an urn, similar to the remains produced by traditional cremation. The liquid byproduct is safely returned to the environment.
The process mimics the natural decomposition that occurs in the soil but in a controlled and accelerated manner. Unlike flame cremation, which burns the body and releases pollutants such as carbon dioxide and mercury into the atmosphere, aquamation is a gentler process that produces no emissions. It is also more energy-efficient, using significantly less water than the average household consumes in a day.
Famous People Who Chose Aquamation
1. Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights activist from South Africa, chose aquamation after his death in 2021. Known for his commitment to social justice and environmental advocacy, Tutu’s decision to undergo this eco-friendly process reflected his dedication to sustainability throughout his life. His choice brought widespread attention to aquamation, particularly in regions where it was not yet well known.
By opting for this method, Tutu reinforced his legacy of promoting ecological responsibility. His decision set an example for others looking to make environmentally conscious choices at the end of their lives.
2. Luke Perry
Actor Luke Perry, known for his roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale, passed away in 2019 and chose aquamation as his final wish. Perry was a nature lover who cared deeply about environmental issues, and his decision to opt for aquamation over traditional cremation or burial was in line with his values. His family honored his wishes, helping to raise public awareness of this lesser-known alternative.
Perry’s choice of aquamation resonated with his fans and the general public, especially those who admired his commitment to living an environmentally responsible life. As a high-profile figure, his decision contributed to the growing conversation about sustainable funeral practices.
3. Bill Bryson’s Father
The father of popular author Bill Bryson, known for his witty and informative travel and science books, also chose aquamation. Bryson has shared in interviews that his father’s decision was influenced by a desire to reduce his environmental impact, even after death. While Bryson’s father was not a public figure himself, his choice of aquamation helped bring the practice into the mainstream through Bryson’s public discussions of the topic.
Why More People are Opting for Aquamation
The increasing number of public figures choosing aquamation reflects a broader shift towards environmentally conscious living and dying. Several factors contribute to its growing popularity:
- Environmental Impact – Aquamation is considered one of the most eco-friendly options for body disposition. Traditional burial requires land, embalming chemicals, and often involves non-biodegradable materials like caskets and vaults. Flame cremation, while more environmentally friendly than burial, still uses significant amounts of energy and releases pollutants into the air. In contrast, aquamation leaves a much smaller carbon footprint, using less energy and water, and producing no toxic emissions.
- Alignment with Personal Beliefs – Many public figures who have chosen aquamation, such as Desmond Tutu, spent their lives advocating for environmental conservation and social responsibility. Opting for aquamation allows them to ensure that their values are honored in their final act, leaving behind a legacy that reflects their personal beliefs.
- Unique and Personal Farewells – Aquamation allows individuals and families to create a unique and meaningful farewell. For example, the ashes produced from aquamation can be scattered, kept in an urn, or even used in eco-friendly memorials, such as being incorporated into coral reefs to support marine life. This flexibility allows for more personalized and thoughtful memorials that honor the deceased’s connection to nature.
Other Eco-Friendly Funeral Choices
While aquamation is gaining popularity, other green funeral options have also been embraced by notable individuals:
- David Bowie, the legendary British musician and cultural icon, chose direct cremation with no funeral service. His ashes were later scattered in Bali, in accordance with his wishes for a simple and private farewell.
- Robin Williams, the beloved comedian and actor, opted for a green burial. His ashes were scattered in the San Francisco Bay, reflecting his connection to the local environment.
- Alfred Hitchcock, the renowned filmmaker, chose a burial at sea, stating that he preferred the simplicity of returning to the ocean. His ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, fulfilling his wishes for an eco-conscious final resting place.
- Rachel McAdams, actress from The Notebook and Mean Girls, has publicly expressed her desire for a green burial. While not specifically aquamation, her interest in sustainable options highlights the growing trend among public figures to prioritize environmentally friendly end-of-life choices.
The Future of Aquamation
As awareness of aquamation grows, more people—famous and not—are likely to consider it as a viable alternative to traditional burial and cremation. The process offers a sustainable, respectful, and eco-conscious way to handle the remains of loved ones, making it an attractive option for those who care about minimizing their environmental impact.
Public figures like Desmond Tutu and Luke Perry have helped bring aquamation into the spotlight, demonstrating how individuals can make a positive environmental statement through their end-of-life choices. As more high-profile individuals choose this option, it is likely that aquamation will continue to gain acceptance and become more widely available in regions where it is currently restricted or less known.
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, aquamation offers a gentle, respectful, and earth-friendly way to say goodbye, leaving behind not only memories but also a positive legacy for future generations.
