31. March 2026

Earth, fire, water

Planning for end-of-life arrangements is never an easy topic, but understanding your options can bring clarity, comfort and control during a difficult time. Today, there are three main approaches to handling a loved one’s remains: traditional burial, cremation, and the newer process known as resomation (water cremation). Each option has its own practical, environmental and emotional considerations.

The first, and most time-honoured, option is burial.

The body (often embalmed) is placed in a coffin and buried in a cemetery or natural burial ground. A funeral or memorial service often precedes the burial.

Burial is still a popular and well-accepted practice with cultural and religious significance; hence it is the favoured option for many faiths. The presence of a gravesite offers family and friends a physical and dedicated space for remembrance.

However, funeral services, a coffin, the burial plot and maintenance fees combine to make burial a costly option.

Other considerations include that cemetery space is becoming limited in some areas and there are growing concerns about the environmental impact from embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials.

Growing in popularity is the option of a ‘green’ or natural burial, which reduces environmental impact by avoiding chemicals and using biodegradable coffins or shrouds. Natural burial grounds are often large areas of woodland and are tranquil places to visit and find peace.

The second option is cremation, which has become increasingly popular in recent decades due to its lower cost and simpler logistics.

The body is placed in a cremator and reduced to ashes through high heat. The ashes (cremated remains) are then returned to the family and may be kept, scattered, buried or use to create memorial items. For those who wish for a permanent physical location to visit, ashes can be buried in designated areas within some burial grounds.

Whilst the idea of cremation sits well with many people, it may not align with everyone’s beliefs. And there are environmental considerations: the use of fossil fuels and release of carbon emissions impacts the land and air.

The third option is resomation, a newer, environmentally friendly alternative that has just been made legal in Scotland.

With resomation, the body is placed in a pressurised chamber filled with water and an alkaline solution. Through heat and gentle chemical action, the body is broken down, leaving behind bone fragments that are processed into a powder similar to cremation ashes.

Resomation is likened to an accelerated version of natural decomposition and uses significantly less energy than cremation and produces fewer emissions, yet families still receive remains similar to ashes.

Being a new process, there will undoubtedly be a period of wariness while people become familiar with the process and gather enough information to feel comfortable making this choice. As it becomes a cultural norm, like cremation, it may take over in popularity as the alternative to burial but, as with cremation, it may never be become a valid option for certain faiths.

One day, we expect to have a fourth option available, known as terramation, also known as human composting. This environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil by mimicking and accelerating natural decomposition.

Terramation works by placing the body in a vessel with natural materials such as wood chips, straw and alfalfa. Over several weeks, microbes break down the body through a controlled decomposition process. The result is clean, fertile soil that can be returned to the family or used in conservation projects.

This eco-friendly method produces minimal carbon emissions compared to cremation and avoids the land use and chemicals involved in burial. The resulting soil can nourish trees, gardens or protected land, so has a strong affinity with the concept of leaving an ecological legacy.

Like cremation and resomation, terramation does not automatically create a physical place to visit and remember loved ones. However, it is conducive to planting natural memorials, such as favourite trees, shrubs or flowers, which can create beautiful memories.   

In summary, it’s important to establish which options are available in your area and focus on those. Your choice will be guided by your personal beliefs, cultural or religious values, environmental concerns and financial considerations.

With all options, you have the choice to have a religious or celebrant-led funeral or memorial service, or a simple private service.    

Talking about these options in advance and making shared decisions can ease the burden of choice after losing a loved one. Knowing you are honouring their wishes is a great comfort at such a difficult time.