Exploring Body Disposition Options – From Tradition to Innovation

When it comes to laying a loved one to rest, traditions and options vary widely across cultures and regions. While traditional methods like burial and cremation remain prevalent, innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives are gaining attention. Let's explore various methods of body disposition—both traditional and emerging—along with their availability around the world and here in Canada.

Burial
This involves placing the deceased in a casket and interring them in the ground. It is common in many cultures and often includes a religious or memorial ceremony. In Canada, burial is regulated at the provincial level, and cemetery plots can be purchased in advance or at the time of need.

Cremation
The process of reducing the body to bone fragments through high-temperature burning. These remains are then processed into a fine material commonly referred to as cremated remains (not actual ash). Cremated remains can be stored in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location (subject to local laws), or interred in a columbarium. In Canada, cremation is now the most common choice, making up over 70% of funerals.

Sky Burial
Practiced in regions such as Tibet, this method involves placing the body on a mountaintop to decompose naturally or be consumed by scavenger birds. It aligns with certain spiritual beliefs and is rarely practiced outside of specific cultural or religious contexts.

Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation)
Also known as resomation or aquamation, this method uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to decompose the body. It is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. In Canada, alkaline hydrolysis is legal in Quebec, Saskatchewan, and some pilot programs in Ontario. It is growing in availability as provinces consider updating legislation.

Mushroom Burial Suit
This biodegradable suit is infused with mushroom spores that aid in decomposition and neutralize toxins. While still relatively new and not widely adopted, it has attracted attention for its symbolic and environmental benefits.

Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)
This process transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over several weeks. Legal in a few U.S. states such as Washington, Oregon, and California, it is not yet permitted in Canada—but there is growing interest, particularly in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario.

Tree Pod Burials
This method involves placing the body in a biodegradable pod and burying it beneath a tree sapling. As the body decomposes, it nourishes the tree, creating a living memorial. This practice aligns with the principles of natural burial and is gaining interest among eco-conscious individuals.

United States
Traditional burial and cremation are the norm, with green alternatives becoming more accessible. Human composting and alkaline hydrolysis are gaining traction in several states.

Europe
Countries such as the UK primarily use burial and cremation, but green burials are becoming more accepted. Alkaline hydrolysis is being discussed but not widely adopted.

Asia
Traditional methods dominate. Cremation is widely practiced in countries like India, and sky burials remain common in Tibet. Modern eco-friendly alternatives are still emerging.

Canada
Burial and cremation are both widely practiced, with cremation leading in popularity. Green burial sites exist in several provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Alkaline hydrolysis is legal in some provinces (like Saskatchewan and Quebec), and there is increasing discussion around legalizing human composting. Eco-conscious end-of-life planning is on the rise, with more Canadians exploring sustainable options and preplanning services to reflect their values.