According to The Sun and other foreign media on the 10th, the British Legal Committee has begun reviewing amendments to related laws to introduce new funeral methods, including hydrants.
Water cremation is a method of decomposing a body by immersing it in alkaline water at 160 degrees Celsius for several hours. The tissue is completely liquidated and treated with wastewater, and the remaining bones are converted into ashes and delivered to the bereaved family.
According to experts, there is no DNA or tissue residue left in wastewater, and the color is brown, like tea or beer. Metal parts such as artificial joints are left separately. This method has already been introduced in 30 states in the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Ireland. In Ireland, the cost varies from region to region, which is similar to regular makeup.
Water cremation is gaining attention as an eco-friendly funeral method. Each body emits about 535 pounds of carbon dioxide, but water cremation is much less carbon and uses less energy.
However, opposition voices are also strong. A wastewater expert at a university in England explained cultural resistance, saying, “People feel rejected because they feel like mixing their loved ones with toilet water.”
Co-op Funeralcare, a leading British funeral company, announced that it would introduce the service in 2023, but it could not be implemented due to lack of relevant regulations. The legal standards for wastewater treatment methods are also not clear, so there are many challenges to overcome before institutionalization.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
