Many people have been talking about alkaline hydrolysis, better known as "green cremation", as an alternative to the standard flame cremation. Here are some of the similarities and differences between these two cremation options. 

Availability

Availability is one thing to consider before looking further into green cremation. It's only available in some states so far, so check with your funeral director to see if this is an option for you. 

Cost

Cost is a big factor that can sway many families towards a standard cremation. Green cremation can be several times more expensive than regular cremation, although prices can vary by funeral home and by region. Standard cremation is also a better way to go if you are looking for government or organizational assistance with covering the costs of your funeral, since many agencies attempt to reduce the costs of the funeral service as much as possible when providing aid.

Differences in Energy Consumption

Green cremation can be a great way to go for families who are very energy conscious. Green cremation can lead to a 75% reduction in carbon footprint in some cases. This is because the green cremation process uses readily available chemicals to dissolve the remains effectively, while regular cremation relies on energy-consuming flame treatment. Standard cremation facilities are working hard to reduce their emissions, but they are admittedly still less energy and resource-efficient when compared to green cremation.

Personal Preference

Regular cremation still has a lot more personal preference among many people, possibly because it has been around a lot longer. It's understood for a loved one's remains to become ashes, but dissolution of the remains can be harder for some people to accept; consider how other family members might react to the process before proceeding. 

Similarities

With the above being said, both of these cremation options have some similarities that make them great options for handling a loved one's remains. Although you'll be returned ashes through regular cremation and bone through green cremation, both of these formats provide an easy way for your to choose what to do with the remains and display them at funerals. You could place them in an urn or even in a piece of jewelry, for instance. Both can help to eliminate some of the logistical concerns with transporting a body and casket to a funeral service, or of holding funerals within a few days of death. In short, both green cremation and regular cremation can provide you with a lot of flexibility to hold your funeral ceremony your own way, and at your own pace. 

To learn more, contact a funeral home like Parsippany Funeral Home Inc.