Methods Of Body Disposal In Singapore

In singapore, the only two available methods of body disposal are the traditional methods which are cremation and burial.

Cremation generally is less environmentally friendly as the process releases greenhouse gases, in particular carbon dioxide which contributes to heavily to global warming. Burial is also not any better since the breakdown of the embalming fluids that occurs with the decomposition of the body would seep into the soil, harming the environment.

In recent years, with advancement in technology and an ever-increasing emphasis on protecting the environment, alternative disposal methods like sea burial, aquacremation (water cremation) and recomposition are being introduced.

Water Cremation

With water cremation being made available to us in Singapore for pets, it proves that it is definitely possible for humans to have water cremation as well and that it is just a matter of time before this would be made available for us in Singapore.

Water cremation involves breaking the body down into its constituent chemicals using alkaline hydrolysis. In this method of body disposal, the body is placed in a pressure vessel and filled with water and potassium hydroxide before being heated. The remains you get from this process is also ashes, just that these ashes are generally whiter in appearance compared to those obtained from a traditional fire cremation. Water cremation is a greener alternative as there are no emissions from this process unlike the traditional cremation method of burning the body.

Sea Burial

Sea burial in Singapore is only done after a cremation which means that only the ashes are dispersed into the sea and not the entire body. Ashes can be dispersed into the sea using a white cloth or a biodegradable urn. Take note that in Singapore, you are not allowed to simply dispose the ashes anywhere. There is a designated area meant for ash dispersion. In certain cultures and countries, sea burial involves placing a modified casket down to the ocean floor.

Recomposition

Recomposition is a pretty cool concept that is often played out in thriller movies. It involves putting the body into a container with a mixture of organic material to allow decomposition to occur naturally with heat and oxygen. These organic material including the body remains would then be transplanted into the soil in a garden. Personally, this is pretty cool and pretty scary since you would not know if the garden you are visiting has remains of a corpse! This is also why this method is currently illegal in most countries except Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Singapore is working hard to allow environmentally-conscious methods of living available for its citizens but as of now, there is still definitely room for improvement.