Search results
Funeral Alternatives offers fair, simple, no pressure cremation and burial services in Lewiston, Augusta, and Brunswick. You can choose from a variety of options, personalize your memorial, and save money with their low cost arrangements.
- Go Green.
- Rest at Sea.
- Liquify yourself.
- Contribute to Modern Medicine.
- Fight Crime.
- Become Art.
- Make Cars Safer.
- Return to soil.
- Become A Tree.
- Send Your Ashes Into space.
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Demand for eco-friendly disposition options continues to increase, leading to a growing numbers of green cemeteries, certified by the Green Burial Council. Some of the key factors of a green burialinclude foregoing embalming (or embalming with environmentally friendly products), the use of biodegradable burial containers or shrouds, and grave marke...
Originally used primarily for those who died while serving in the navy, interest in full-body burials at seais increasing, both from those seeking a more eco-friendly burial option, as well as those who felt a connection to the ocean, and appreciate the symbolism. If you go this route, your body will be put overboard in a biodegradable, weighted sh...
Alkaline hydrolysisis emerging as a new alternative to cremation. The process involves submerging a body in a heated alkali solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH). This mimics the body’s natural process of breaking down, but takes only a few hours, instead of many years. Alkaline hydrolysis is also recognized as a greener alternative, using a fracti...
Donated cadavers play an important role in medical training and research, and many medical schools have an anatomical gift program. Medical students often use donated cadavers to learn anatomy and surgery techniques before cutting into a living person. As an added perk, most medical schools cover the costs of transportation (generally within a spec...
Donating your body to a forensic research facility will help teach forensic students important factors about body decomposition and influence guidance given to police for evaluating crime scenes – meaning you could be helping professionals solve real crimes. Similar to donating your body to a medical school, the institution will generally cover tra...
If you’re passionate about art or health, you may want to consider turning your body into an actual art exhibit for BodyWorlds. The series of exhibits has attracted over 44 million visitors on six continents and helps to teach people about the inner workings of the human body.
Research universities, such as Wayne State, use cadavers to help improve car safety through crash test simulations. While research facilities are limited, donated cadavers have been involved in key car safety updates since the 1930’s, including the effects of side impact airbags and laminated windshields. In his paper, “Humanitarian benefits of cad...
On May 1st, 2020, Washington state became the first state to allow legal human composting as a method of disposition for the deceased. If you choose this method of disposition, your body will naturally decompose and will become usable soil that's returned to your family. The soil can be used to plant trees, start a garden, or can be spread somewher...
Companies like Better Forestsallow families to mix their loved one's ashes with soil at the base of their chosen tree. Wildflower seeds are then spread on top of the space, contributing to the forest's growth. This is another great option for those who want to remain close to the cycle of life in nature.
If you prefer to leave our atmosphere and be sent into the unknown, you can choose to have your ashes sent into space with companies like Celestis. You have multiple options of placement and orbit, including the option to have your cremains (or DNA) sent to the moon itself!
Explore 10 creative and eco-friendly ways to dispose of your body or your loved one's remains, from green burial to human composting. Learn about the benefits, costs, and legality of each option.
- Home Funeral. In many cultures and religions, hosting a wake in the home is traditional. It can take a little getting used to, but the tradition dates back centuries.
- Virtual Funeral. Travel, family conflicts, illness (or pandemics), and other problems may get in the way of all of the deceased's loved ones attending the funeral.
- Tree Planting Ceremony. If your loved one enjoyed nature, consider hosting a tree-planting ceremony. You can do this at home or in a public park. Planting a tree symbolizes rebirth and growth.
- Go to the Cinema. For a movie lover, this is a fun alternative service. Invite friends and family to the big screen for a celebration of life. Pick a movie that your loved one enjoyed.
- Ash scattering ceremony. After a cremation, choose to hold an ash scattering ceremony in lieu of a funeral. Ash scattering ceremonies are typically held at a location that was meaningful to the deceased (such as a favorite beach, park, or nature spot) and include a gathering of their loved ones.
- Starting a garden with cremains or soil. Starting a garden is a beautiful way to honor the life of a loved one in a way that lets you continue to see their presence reflected in the world around you.
- Bury ashes in a forest. If you’re interested in an ash scattering ceremony but would prefer a single place be dedicated to a loved one, consider having your loved one’s ashes scattered at a specific tree in a forest.
- Hold a reef ceremony. For individuals who preferred the open waters, consider holding a reef ceremony. Companies like Eternal Reefs offer families the ability to create a living reef with materials mixed with their loved one's ashes – allowing a loved one to contribute to the ocean long after their passing.
- Celebration of Life. A celebration of life is just that – celebrating a life well-lived. The emphasis is on celebration rather than mourning. There will be lots of sharing of jokes, memories, and anecdotes of your departed loved one.
- Scattering Ceremony. A scattering ceremony is when you release the cremated remains of a loved one. You can scatter them on the ground or even in the water.
- Cremation Ceremony. A cremation ceremony can be an event that happens when burying the cremated remains or placing the urn in a columbarium. You can even plan a cremation ceremony to take place at the same time as the cremation is happening.
- Direct Burial. Direct burial is the least expensive funeral option. Having a direct burial, the body is buried as soon as possible after the death has occurred.
Apr 23, 2024 · Exploring alternative funeral services can help you find a fitting way to honor your loved one's life and legacy. Whether you choose a natural burial, a virtual memorial, or a space burial, the most important thing is to create a meaningful and personalized tribute that reflects their unique spirit.
People also ask
What are some alternatives to a funeral?
Are there burial alternatives?
What are the benefits of an alternative funeral?
Are there alternatives to cremation & traditional burial?
Jul 15, 2020 · No matter your post-mortem wishes, options are available, and merchants are ready to meet your alternative funeral needs. We hope this guide has empowered you with information and insight to choose providers who will deliver you the alternative ending you envision for yourself or a loved one.
