Humans must make a greater impact on the environment. We all agree. And while most of us think of this in terms of daily activities – such as eating less meat, or being water-wise – this responsibility actually extends beyond life and into death.
The global population is decreasing. 8 billionHow much land is available for human burial? You are running outThis is especially true in densely populated areas.
The fastest way to reduce environmental impact is for human beings to return as close as possible to nature. However, some traditional methods of disposing of waste are slow. It can take as long as 20 years. several decadesFor a body’s decomposition.
Our team performed a one-of a kind study and analysed the results. 408 human bodiesTo find out the conditions that accelerate decay, exhumed from stone tombs and grave pits in northern Italy
Traditional burials are more environmentally damaging than they are worth
Funeral rituals should honor the dead, bring closure and promote the reach of the afterlife, according to one’s beliefs. This may look different for each person.
The Catholic church allows cremation. Since 1963However, it still prefers burials. Muslims should always be buried, but most Hindus are cremated.
However, almost 40% of Australians identify themselves as “Australian” according to the most recent census.Not religious“. This opens up new possibilities for how bodies can be treated after death.
Many long-lasting harms are associated with traditional burials in industrialized countries. EffectsEnvironment
The ground can retain metal and wood fragments from coffins or caskets. This can lead to the formation of harmful chemicals through paints, preservatives and other alloys. Chemicals used to embalm also remain in ground, and can be retrieved. contaminateSoil and waterways
Cremation has many benefits. Carbon footprint. It needs a lot of trees to produce fuel, and millions of tons each year of carbon dioxide as well as toxic volatile chemicals.
There are many alternatives to traditional burials. There are two options: water cremation or “resomation”, where the body is quickly dissolved, and human burials. CompostingCryonics (freezing and storage), mummification Space burialsAnd even turning your body into TreesOder the ashes into DiamondsOr Vinyl records.
These alternatives can be expensive, illegal or unavailable and may not be compatible with religious beliefs. Coffin burials are preferred by the vast majority of people. This method is accepted in all countries. The choice between the various types of sustainable burials is up to the individual. coffins available.
What is the key to quicker decomposition?
You can choose from traditional wooden caskets or cardboard coffins. Natural coffins are made of bamboo, banana leaf, and willow. They decompose much faster.
The most environmentally sustainable choice is one that allows the body to decompose and reduce to a skeleton (or “skeletonize”) quickly – possibly in just a few years.
Three key findings from our research have been revealed about conditions that encourage the skeletonization human bodies.
It was first confirmed that traditional sealed tombs, where a coffin is placed within a space of stone, can take over 40 years to skeletonize.
These sealed tombs are home to bacteria that quickly consume oxygen from the stone cavity where the coffin is located. This micro-environment promotes almost indefinite preservation.
We also found burial grounds with a high percentage of sand and gravel in the soil promote the decomposition and skeletonisation of bodies in less than ten years – even if they are in a coffin.
That’s because this soil composition allows more circulation of air and microfauna, and ample water drainage – all of which are helpful for degrading organic matter.
Finally, research has confirmed the previous theories about slow decomposition of entombed body. Our research revealed that placing bodies in stone tombs or covering them with stone slabs on the ground aids in the formation of corpse-wax (or “Case Wax”).Adipocere“).
This substance is the result of several chemical reactions. It’s made from the body’s adipose tissues (fat). It then becomes a “soapy”, which is very resistant to further decay. The decomposition process is slowed down or even stopped by corpse wax.
An alternative, cleaner option
As we searched for innovative burial solutions, our team was able to test a new method of disposing of bodies in a tomb known as an “”Aerated tomb“.
Aerated tombs were developed in several European countries over the past two decades, including France, Spain, and Italy. You can find it here Been commercialised).
They have a lot of ventilation, which makes them more hygienic than traditional tombs and allows for faster decomposition.
They are notable for a few things:
- A carbon activated filter purifies gasses
- Two separate biodegrading biological powders can absorb fluids. One is found at the bottom and one in a tray below.
- After the body is decomposed, the bones can be moved to an obsidian (a place where skeletal remains have been stored), and the tomb can then be dismantled. Most of its parts can be recycled.
Aerated tombs cost less than regular tombs and can also be constructed from existing tombs. They can be used in Australia easily and will meet hygiene and public health standards.
We don’t often think about what will happen after our deaths. We should. In the end this may be one of our most important last decisions – the implications of which extend to our precious planet.
Paola MagniSenior Lecturer in Forensic Sciences, Murdoch UniversityAnd Edda GuareschiAdjunct Lecturer In Forensic Sciences Murdoch University
This article has been republished from The ConversationUse the Creative Commons license Please read the Original article.
