Are Natural Burials an Option in Minnesota?

Natural burials are an option in Minnesota. The state has several natural and hybrid burial grounds, and Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial is certified by the Green Burial Council to provide this service. Although there was a two-year moratorium issued in 2023 on creating new green cemeteries for further study, natural burials can still be performed. The moratorium results are expected in 2025, when it is set to expire.

What is Flameless Cremation?

Flameless cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. This process uses a combination of water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate natural tissue disintegration, resulting in cremated remains that can be buried, kept in an urn, placed at a conservation tree, or scattered.

How Does Flameless Cremation Work?

In flameless cremation, the body is placed in a pressure vessel and submerged in a solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide. The vessel is heated to 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the temperatures used in traditional flame cremations.

Is Flameless Cremation Environmentally Friendly?

Flameless cremation is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. It uses lower temperatures, does not burn propane or natural gas, and reduces carbon emissions.

Is Flameless Cremation Safe and Legal?

Flameless cremation is both safe and legal. It ensures environmentally responsible handling of remains, allows for the extraction and recycling of medical implants, and has been legal in Minnesota since its endorsement by the Mayo Clinic for its ecological benefits and efficient handling of medical implants.

How Much Does Flameless Cremation Cost?

The cost of flameless cremation varies by location and funeral home but is generally comparable to or slightly higher than traditional cremation. The specialized equipment and reduced environmental impact often justify the cost for many families.

What is a Natural Burial?

A natural burial is an eco-friendly funeral practice that allows the body to return to the earth in an environmentally conscious manner. It minimizes the use of chemicals, like embalming fluids, and avoids materials like concrete used in traditional burial vaults. By forgoing these practices, natural burial conserves resources, prevents pollution, and reduces carbon footprint.

What is a Natural Burial Option?

Natural burial options include choices for an eco-friendly burial, such as using natural burial caskets, selecting a green burial site, or integrating cremated remains into natural burial grounds.

What is a Natural Burial Cemetery?

A natural burial cemetery, like Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, is specifically designed for natural burials. These cemeteries have minimal environmental impact and often resemble natural landscapes rather than traditional cemeteries.

How Many Burials Do Not Involve Embalming?

This leaves 885,320 burials with possible embalming. According to former Green Burial Council President, Ed Bixby it's estimated that 8% of people choose green burials. (3) Whether that includes those people buried without embalming in the Jewish and Muslim traditions, he did not specify, but if we're generous and say it is 8% of people already choosing burial and are in addition to Jewish and Muslim burials, that would subtract another 70,825 from annual embalmings. This would mean, in the United States there are an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Used Per Person?

Roughly three gallons are used. What percentage of that is formaldehyde depends on the practitioner and what someone considers “embalming fluid”. Rarely, practitioners will use undiluted embalming solution, but the vast majority use a diluted solution.

What Is Embalming Fluid Made Of?

There are generally 16oz of concentrated embalming solution diluted with 112 oz of water to create one gallon of usable embalming fluid. So, each gallon of commonly used embalming fluid is more than 87.5% water. Each manufacturer has a proprietary formula to their 16oz concentrated embalming solution, but according to manufacturer, Dodge's Safety Data Sheet (10) for their commonly used Metasyn Normal concentrated embalming solution, 1.6-4 oz. (10-25%) is formaldehyde, a regulated carcinogen. Other regulated substances included are up to 0.8 oz each of methanol and propylene glycol, neither of which is a regulated carcinogen.

How Much Embalming Fluid Is Used Per Body?

There is a broad rule of thumb that one gallon of embalming fluid is used per 50 pounds of body weight. But the amount of embalming fluid used also depends on the size of the person. In practice, it generally works out to an average of about 3 gallons of embalming fluid per body, of which up to 12 oz is formaldehyde.

How Many Gallons Of Embalming Fluid Are Buried Each Year In The US?

Each year an estimated 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid are buried in the United States. This amount is reached from an estimated 814,500 burials with embalming per year, times three gallons per body. Of those 2,443,500 gallons of embalming fluid used, there are generally up to 4 oz of formaldehyde per gallon, which means roughly 97,740 gallons of formaldehyde are buried with embalmed bodies in the US each year.

Is Green Burial Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, green burial in Minnesota is legal. The state allows for natural burials, where the body is not embalmed and can be buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. Minnesota hosts several green cemeteries and allows hybrid cemeteries, which accommodate both traditional and green burials.

Is Green Burial Legal in Arizona?

Snow birds might like to know that Arizona also permits green burials. The state's regulations support eco-friendly burial practices, including the use of biodegradable materials and the option to forgo embalming. This makes Arizona an accommodating place for those wishing to opt for a green burial.

Is Green Burial Illegal in Minnesota Now?

Because of a green burial law that passed in Minnesota in 2022 some people think that green burial is illegal in MN, which is incorrect. As part of the Omnibus bill that passed in 2023 there was a small piece of legislation with a bigger impact, but it did not make green burial illegal in Minnesota. What it did do is create a moratorium on new green burial cemeteries through 2025 when the law is set to expire.

Why Did the Moratorium Happen?

A small group of citizens in Northern Minnesota were upset about a green burial cemetery being established in their community and their concerns turned into legislation requiring the state to fund and study the impact of all-natural burial. It also prohibited any new green cemeteries or conservation burial grounds until July 2025. Being that green burial was the form of disposition for every interred human in history until embalming became popularized during the Civil War, we're confident that allowing a body to naturally return to the Earth will be found to be safe.

Can I Bury Someone In My Yard?

It depends on local ordinances and how much work you're willing to do. In Minnesota, if you want to bury a human body on private land, that land has to be identified as cemetery property in perpetuity. This also means that cemetery land would need to a permitted land use in your city's code and also that specific funding needs to be set aside to maintain that cemetery land in perpetuity.

What is Body Composting?

Body composting, or human composting, is a process that transforms human remains into highly regenerative soil, often used in tree planting, conservation projects, gardens, or woodlands. It's part of a broader movement towards green burial services, including natural burials and other ecological burial practices. Unlike traditional burials, body composting is an environmentally friendly method that avoids the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, concrete burial vaults, and perpetual land use.

How Does Body Composting Work?

The human composting process, scientifically referred to as natural organic reduction (NOR), involves placing the human body in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over a span of several weeks, natural microbial activity breaks down the tissue, transforming it into a cubic yard of nutrient dense compost. This method mirrors the natural aerobic (oxygen using) decomposition process but occurs in a controlled environment. Though each NOR provider has their own specific method, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University, has worked with NOR advocate Katrina Spade pioneering the development and refinement the human composting process. The body, along with the organic materials and air flow, undergoes a natural, heat-producing process that accelerates decomposition while eliminating pathogens and capturing the body's carbon. The end product is a nutrient-rich soil that can support plant growth, allowing the deceased to be returned to the earth in a meaningful way.

Is Body Composting Legal?

The legality of body composting varies by location. In the United States, it was first legalized in Washington state, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Since then, other states have been considering or have passed legislation to allow this process as a part of green burials.

What are the Benefits of Body Composting?

Body composting offers several benefits over conventional burial and cremation methods: Environmental Impact: Traditional burials often involve embalming fluids, and the manufacturing and transportation of caskets and vaults which carry a carbon footprint. Cremation consumes fuel and releases greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, local body composting produces no direct carbon emissions, sequesters the carbon from the body in the soil keeping it from entering the atmosphere, and requires significantly fewer consumable resources. Conservation: The process transforms human remains into soil that can be used to nourish the earth. It's a way of giving back to the environment, contributing to the growth of plants and the conservation of natural spaces. Cost-Effective: The human composting cost can be lower than traditional burials or cremations. While prices vary, local NOR providers are often considered a more affordable green funeral option. Emotional and Spiritual Benefits: For many, the idea of being laid to rest in a natural and meaningful way is comforting, helping to create a positive outcome from the end of their life. The process of human composting aligns with the beliefs of those who seek the continuity of simply returning to the earth. Space Conservation: In areas where burial space is limited or land is scarce, body composting offers a space-efficient alternative whole-body burial. The composted remains can return to the earth without requiring that land be designated, in perpetuity, as cemetery land.

Why Support Body Composting?

Natural organic reduction not only aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship but also offers a deeply personal and meaningful option for being laid to rest. The transformation of human remains into soil is a profound process, symbolizing the cycle of life in a tangible way. As we continue to seek sustainable and meaningful ways to say goodbye to our loved ones, body composting stands out as a beacon of hope, offering a choice that is both respectful to the departed and kind to the planet.

How Does Water Cremation Work?

In water cremation, the body is placed in a vessel filled with a water and alkali solution. The liquid in the vessel is then heated, but at a drastically lower heat than used in flame cremation. The combination of the heat, fluid movement, water, and alkali breaks down the soft tissue, leaving behind the bone material and a sterile liquid.

What is Water Cremation and How Does It Differ from Flame Cremation?

Water cremation reduces a body using water and alkali, whereas flame cremation uses combustible fossil fuels. Flame cremation involves reducing the body at very high temperatures, and water cremation uses roughly five times less heat, but both result in processed bone material or “ashes,” being returned to the family in an urn or receptacle.

Is Water Cremation More Environmentally Friendly than Flame Cremation?

Water cremation is generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional flame cremation. It uses electricity to heat the solution and doesn't directly emit fossil fuel exhaust into the atmosphere. Aquamation also captures the carbon from the body in the solution producing a sterile liquid that can safely be returned to the wastewater system.

Is Water Cremation More Expensive than Flame Cremation?

The cost of water cremation can vary depending on location and provider. In some cases, often it is more costly than traditional flame cremation due to the specialized equipment required and the longer processing time. However, at Interra Green Burial we want to encourage families to use this ecological cremation option, so an aquamation without services is less than Mueller Memorial's flame cremation.

Complete Guide to Aquamation and Water Cremation Processes: Understanding, Benefits, and Legal Considerations

Scott Mueller • June 24, 2026

Complete Guide to Aquamation and Water Cremation Processes: Understanding, Benefits, and Legal Considerations

Aquamation, also termed water cremation, is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation methods that utilize water and alkaline chemicals to reduce human remains. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the aquamation process, its environmental advantages, and important legal considerations. With the growing awareness of sustainability, many individuals are seeking alternatives that align with their values, and aquamation presents a compelling solution. Here, we will explore the mechanisms involved in aquamation, compare it to conventional cremation, address legal parameters, and highlight how funeral homes are adapting to this practice.

What Is Aquamation and How Does the Water Cremation Process Work?

Aquamation is a process that entails using water and alkaline solutions to decompose human remains in an environmentally responsible manner. The mechanism behind this method, known as alkaline hydrolysis, breaks down organic matter while leaving behind bone ash, which can be collected similarly to cremation. This process not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional cremation methods but also minimizes harmful emissions common in fire-based cremation. The efficacy of aquamation lies in its ability to provide a respectful and dignified way to handle remains while prioritizing ecological responsibility.

How Does Alkaline Hydrolysis Facilitate Human Remains Reduction?

Alkaline hydrolysis works through a chemical reaction that involves water and alkaline substances, primarily potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The process can be broken down into several key steps:

Preparation: The body is placed in a specialized vessel where the water and alkali are added.
Heating and Pressure: The mixture is heated to a temperature between 150-200 degrees Celsius under pressure, allowing for the breakdown of soft tissues.
Breakdown of Remains: Over several hours, the organic material is digested and transformed into a liquid form, with only bone fragments remaining.
Finalization: The remaining bones are processed into a fine ash, which can be returned to the family in an urn.

This method not only provides an effective decomposition process but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional cremation.

Furthermore, research indicates that alkaline hydrolysis offers a substantial reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional cremation, making it an increasingly attractive option for environmentally conscious individuals.

Alkaline Hydrolysis: Eco-Friendly Cremation Alternative and Legal Challenges

ABSTRACT: AbstractAlkaline hydrolysis is an eco-friendly cremation alternative that uses water, a gentle chemical solution, and heat to break down bodies instead of fire. It has a carbon footprint that is 75% less than that of standard cremation and eliminates the possibility of soil and groundwater pollution created by traditional burials. The problem is that it is illegal and unavailable to citizens in at least 31 states. This comment examines the history, process, and legality of alkaline hydrolysis while proposing the rapid federal or mass state legalization of the method as a solution to many of the problems the death care industry is currently facing. Watery Grave: One of the Death Care Industry's Greenest Options Is Still Illegal in Thirty-One States and That Needs to Change, 2021

What Are the Step-by-Step Stages Involved in Water Cremation?

The water cremation process involves distinct stages that ensure a respectful and thorough breakdown of remains. The stages include:

Preparation Phase: The body is placed in a watertight chamber designed for the aquamation process.
Aquamation Phase: The chamber is filled with a heated alkaline solution, initiating the breakdown process.
Completion Phase: After several hours, the process culminates in a sterile effluent that is usually discharged into the wastewater system, subject to local regulations.
Ash Collection: The leftover bones are processed into a fine ash and returned to the family.

Understanding these stages helps individuals appreciate the scientific aspects of aquamation, ensuring informed decision-making when considering this alternative.

What Are the Environmental and Ecological Benefits of Aquamation?

Aquamation is not merely an alternative to cremation; it is a proactive approach to reducing ecological impact during final arrangements. This innovative process offers significant environmental benefits, including:

Lower Carbon Footprint: Unlike traditional cremation, which emits carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, aquamation drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Resource Conservation: The process utilizes significantly less water compared to direct burial, making it a more resource-efficient option.
Chemical-Free Decomposition: Aquamation eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and fossil fuels associated with traditional cremation methods.

By choosing aquamation, individuals contribute to a more sustainable future while honoring their loved ones' legacy.

How Does Aquamation Reduce Carbon Footprint Compared to Traditional Cremation?

Aquamation significantly minimizes carbon emissions when compared to traditional cremation methods. The absence of open flames and the process's reliance on water instead of combustion result in:

Reduced CO2 Emissions: Aquamation produces approximately 90% less CO2 than fire-based cremation.
Less Air Pollution: The lack of smoke and toxic fumes during the aquamation process contributes to cleaner air quality.
Sustainable Waste Management: Residual byproducts are typically treated in wastewater facilities, further supporting environmental protection.

These factors make aquamation a significantly more eco-friendly option for funerary practices.

What Role Does Water Usage and Recycling Play in the Aquamation Process?

Water usage in the aquamation process becomes a focal point of its sustainability narrative. Recycling water in aquamation involves:

Minimizing Freshwater Demand: The process uses recycled water, significantly reducing the strain on local water resources.
Eco-Friendly Disposal: The effluent produced post-process has been treated to meet public health and environmental safety standards, ensuring safe discharge.
Promoting Conservation: The overall efficiency of water use in aquamation encourages a conservation mindset, contributing to broader environmental goals.

These aspects enhance the appeal of aquamation for eco-conscious individuals and families.

How Does Aquamation Compare with Traditional Cremation Methods?

When weighing aquamation against traditional cremation techniques, several distinctions emerge. While both methods serve the same purpose, their environmental implications and processes differ significantly.

What Are the Differences in Residue Output and Emissions?

Aquamation produces very different outputs and emissions when compared to traditional cremation, highlighting its environmental superiority:

Method

Carbon Emissions

Residue Output

Process Time

Traditional Cremation

High (approximately 600 lbs of CO2 per body)

Remains primarily in ash form

1-3 hours

Aquamation

Very Low (90% less)

Bone ash and water effluent

4-6 hours

This comparison illustrates that aquamation provides a cleaner alternative with considerably lower emissions and more manageable end products.

Which Cremation Method Supports Green Funeral Practices Best?

In examining which cremation methods support green funeral practices, aquamation stands out as a leading choice. While both traditional and water-based methods serve to honor lives, aquamation aligns with eco-friendly values by utilizing sustainable resources, reducing carbon footprints, and enabling ethical disposal practices. This aligns perfectly with the increasing demand for green funeral options that cater to a more environmentally conscious society.

What Are the Regulations and Legal Considerations Surrounding Aquamation?

Like all funeral practices, aquamation is subject to legal oversight and regulatory requirements that can vary by region. Understanding these regulations is crucial for families considering aquamation for their loved ones.

Is Aquamation Legal in My State or Region?

Aquamation signifies a legal option for handling remains in many states; however, its legality is not uniform across jurisdictions. Aquamation is legal in Minnesota. Families should verify the following:

State Legality: Confirm whether aquamation is permitted in their state or region.
Licensure: Ensure that the funeral home is licensed to provide aquamation services.

By being informed, families can navigate the legal landscape effectively, ensuring compliance with local laws.

What Licensing Requirements and Oversight Apply to Aquamation Services?

Aquamation services must adhere to various licensing requirements which may include:

State Regulations: Compliance with health and safety standards established by state departments.
Training for Practitioners: Proper training and certification for staff operating aquamation equipment.
Environmental Oversight: Adherence to environmental regulations concerning wastewater management and emissions.

Such requirements ensure that aquamation services maintain high standards of safety and ethics, providing peace of mind for families.

The absence of updated legislation to accommodate aquamation's new technology presents challenges to its widespread adoption and regulation.

Aquamation: Chemical Process and Legal Framework for Body Disposition

Alkaline Hydrolysis or aquamation is a chemical process dissolving a dead body. The wastewater can be disposed of in a sewage system. Legislation has not kept up with this new technology. A new set of regulations to the National Health Act 61 of 2003 is proposed. Aquamation: legal nail in burial and cremation's coffin?, M Slabbert, 2021

How Do Funeral Homes Adapt and Offer Aquamation Services?

As aquamation gains traction, many funeral homes are beginning to incorporate this innovative service into their offerings, reflective of evolving consumer preferences toward sustainable practices.

What Is the Current Adoption Rate of Water Cremation Among Funeral Providers?

The adoption rates of aquamation among funeral providers have seen a steady increase, demonstrating growing acceptance:

Current Trend: Approximately 15-20% of funeral homes are now offering aquamation services.
Regional Variance: Some areas exhibit higher adoption rates due to regulatory support and public interest.

This trend indicates a significant shift towards greener funeral practices.

Moreover, the introduction of alkaline hydrolysis in regions like the UK signifies a global movement towards more sustainable end-of-life practices and a shift in traditional funerary customs.

Alkaline Hydrolysis: A New Sustainable Funerary Custom in the UK

ABSTRACT: This research traces funerary change in a rapidly changing social world and principally concerns the introduction of alkaline hydrolysis (AH) as a new funerary custom in the United Kingdom (UK). It is the first full study of AH in the British context, completed in early 2023, on the cusp of AH’s introduction for the first time in the UK. Framed by the global climate crisis, the thesis considers the historical, sociocultural, and worldview context of contemporary Britain in order to assess how British death-styles may soon shift to become more sustainable in line with sustainable lifestyles.

Alkaline Hydrolysis: The Future of British Death-Styles, G ROBINSON, 2023

How Do Funeral Homes Integrate Aquamation Into Their Service Offerings?

Funeral homes can integrate aquamation into their services in several effective ways:

Education and Training: Ensuring staff are knowledgeable about the aquamation process and its benefits.
Marketing and Awareness: Promoting aquamation to educate consumers about this environmentally friendly option.
Service Packaging: Providing inclusive packages that honor traditional aspects of funerals while incorporating new technologies.

By embracing aquamation, funeral homes not only adapt to changing societal values but also enhance their service offerings.

What Are Common Questions About Aquamation: Costs, Duration, and Myths?

As aquamation becomes more prevalent, many individuals have questions regarding the various aspects of this process, including costs and the time required to complete it.

How Long Does the Water Cremation Process Typically Take?

The water cremation process generally takes 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on the specific equipment and conditions of the service. This timeframe contrasts with traditional cremation, which may be quicker but does not yield similar ecological benefits. Understanding the typical duration allows families to plan appropriately for memorial services.

What Are the Average Costs Compared to Traditional Cremation?

In terms of financial considerations, aquamation is often comparable to traditional cremation, with average costs varying based on location and provider. Families can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for aquamation services, while traditional cremation can range from $800 to $2,500. The upfront costs of aquamation reflect its advanced technology and environmental benefits, providing value for those prioritizing sustainability.

Through understanding the fundamental aspects of aquamation, individuals can make informed decisions that honor both their loved ones and the environment.

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Complete Guide to Aquamation and Water Cremation Processes: Understanding, Benefits, and Legal Considerations

Complete Guide to Aquamation and Water Cremation Processes: Understanding, Benefits, and Legal Considerations

What Is Aquamation and How Does the Water Cremation Process Work?

How Does Alkaline Hydrolysis Facilitate Human Remains Reduction?

What Are the Step-by-Step Stages Involved in Water Cremation?

What Are the Environmental and Ecological Benefits of Aquamation?

How Does Aquamation Reduce Carbon Footprint Compared to Traditional Cremation?

What Role Does Water Usage and Recycling Play in the Aquamation Process?

How Does Aquamation Compare with Traditional Cremation Methods?

What Are the Differences in Residue Output and Emissions?

Which Cremation Method Supports Green Funeral Practices Best?

What Are the Regulations and Legal Considerations Surrounding Aquamation?

Is Aquamation Legal in My State or Region?

What Licensing Requirements and Oversight Apply to Aquamation Services?

How Do Funeral Homes Adapt and Offer Aquamation Services?

What Is the Current Adoption Rate of Water Cremation Among Funeral Providers?

How Do Funeral Homes Integrate Aquamation Into Their Service Offerings?

What Are Common Questions About Aquamation: Costs, Duration, and Myths?

How Long Does the Water Cremation Process Typically Take?

What Are the Average Costs Compared to Traditional Cremation?

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