Soylent Green 2008? Dissolving Dead Bodies instead of Burial or Cremation? Eco-Friendly?
A Green alternative to cremation and burial of the deceased is a process used for years to dispose of animal carcasses (Someone ask Al Gore if this will help with the Global Warming issue).
The process is called alkaline hydrolysis and was developed in this country 16 years ago to get rid of animal carcasses. It uses lye, 300-degree heat and 60 pounds of pressure per square inch to destroy bodies in big stainless-steel cylinders that are similar to pressure cookers according to the AP. Because of its environmental advantages, some in the funeral industry say it could someday rival burial and cremation. In addition to the liquid, the process leaves a dry bone residue similar in appearance and volume to cremated remains. It could be returned to the family in an urn or buried in a cemetery. (Just imagine a funeral consultant trying to upsell the kids an urn or container to hold some of the loved one's bones or fluids!)
The coffee-colored liquid has the consistency of motor oil and a strong ammonia smell. But proponents say it is sterile and can, in most cases, be safely poured down the drain, provided the operation has the necessary permits. (and that liquid, if you live in Orange County, CA, could be recycled into fresh purified drinking water- that's almost as bad as Keith Richards snorting some of his Dad's ashes!)
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