Alternatives to Being Buried

Have you ever really thought about what you want done with your remains? Nobody likes to think about death, but we all eventually die. I have never liked the idea of being buried in a box that will be there long after "I" have decomposed. Now, there are other options besides being buried or cremated. That does not cost more that what a burial does.

Such as, Promession, It was developed by Swedish Biologist. "The method is based upon preserving the body in a biological form after death. Then it can be returned to the ecological cycle in a dignified manner as a valuable contribution to the living earth," explains Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, biologist and head of operations at Promessa Organic AB. That is how they put it on their website. It is very interesting. I love the idea of "giving back the earth".

The body is put in a container and dipped in a vat of liquid nitrogen cooled to -321 F. Dehydrating it and making it so brittle that a jolt of vibration breaks it into powder. Leaving a pile of flour-like powder. The pile is cleaned of artificial joints, dental fillings and anything that is not natural. Then the remains get put in a box made from potato starch. It is shallowly buried, disintegrating in less then a year. Retuning essential nutrients to the soil.

I am not sure, if they bury the box or if they give it to you to bury.

The estimated cost of Promession for one could be around $1,000.00 dollars. However, this is not available in the United States yet. A Swedish city hopes to convert its only crematorium to a "promatoriium". Other countries such as South Africa (their soil could use it), are showing interest in this procedure.

I hope this is eventually available in the US.

http://www.lifegem.com/

A really cool option that is available in the US is LifeGem, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. They have perfected turning you or your loved ones remains into a man-made diamond. A family heirloom. They can do this by using the pure carbon from the ashes after cremation. Technicians place the carbon in a diamond press and exerting intense heat and pressure for several days. Results- A rough diamond that is naturally colored yellow or orange. Through processing, it can be made blue using the element boron. Other colors available are red, green, and clear (colorless).

It will be like an ordinary stone, just made out of your grandma (or who ever). You can choose from a number of different sizes and cuts. Sizes range from, 0.2 to 1.0 carat. A 1-carat blue diamond is the most expensive at $20,000.00 dollars, but the smaller yellow diamonds start around 2,700.00. This is still under the 8,000.00-dollar average for a funeral and burial cost.

It is a lengthy process, taking six to nine months. In addition, other cost should be considered if choosing this option. Like shipping the body to Illinois, etc...

LifeGem also does this for pets. They refer you to a LifeGem certified partners. I am not sure of prices; go to their website for more information on LifeGem for pets.

http://www.memorialspaceflights.com/

Recently brought to the nations spotlight is launching your ashes into space. Actor James Doohan (Scotty from Star Trek) and Astronaut L Gordon Cooper have already made the trip. Along with hundreds of others.

There are four different types of "space flights" available.

1: the Earth Rise Service, a spaceflight with return starting at $495.00

2: Earth Orbit Service, Launched into the earths orbit starting at 1,295.00

3: Luna Service, Launched to lunar orbit or surface starting at 12,500.00

4: Voyager Service, Launched into deep space starting at 12,500.00

All services come with a "performance assurance guarantee".

Only small portions of cremated remains are used in these services. The cremation is at your expense, and not done by them. You may attend the launch at Spaceport America near Tor C, New Mexico. If you have an "orbiting service", you can track the pod on their website. That is cool.

I love all three of these new services, I wish that LifeGem was around when my mom passed. I would have done that. I wonder what is they will think of next.