Taking Issue: I’m melting! I’m melting!

Welcome again! It’s time for the second installment of Taking Issue – where I give you a little info on an issue pertinent in Columbus, then take a side. Last week, I talked about medical marijuana for pets. However, I decided to tackle a not-so-funish topic today (also it’s Earth Day and it seemed like a good idea to discuss something green).

This week’s topic: Liquid cremation. Still with me? Not running in fear of your impending mortality? Good. Then let me give you a little info dump on what it is, and why it’s taking issue in Columbus.

Liquid cremation is the “trendy” term for alkaline hydrolysis, a cremation process where the body is put into a metal container (pictured right →) where a heated, high pressure mixture of lye and water breaks down the body.* What’s leftover are pieces of bone that can be crushed and given to the deceased’s family for burial, and a liquid component that can be safely flushed drown drains and sewers.

About 10 states utilize alkaline hydrolysis. But Ohio state law only allows alkaline hydrolysis for animals. In 2011, the funeral director at German Village’s Edwards Funeral Service started using the process; he has since stopped after state officials told him it wasn’t permitted under current state laws. Which is one of the reasons Rep. Wes Retherford has put forth a bill (House Bill 36) that would allow for it to be used in Ohio. The bill is currently under review by a committee.

Now that we’ve all been Wiki’d on the issue, it’s decision time. Bring out the Pro/Con/Pro list:

Pro: Not only is it considered a green alternative (because it doesn’t use hours of natural gas), it’s generally pretty cost effective. The machine is quite a pretty penny at around $150K, but it’s energy, resource, and time use makes it a better investment than other cremation devices.

Con: Once again, the amount of research on its effectiveness is limited.

Pro: Other states are already using it and advocating for it as a better system.

Decision time – and just like last week, I’m going “Pro.” Everything that I read from interviews with morticians, governmental agency statements, to first-hand accounts, indicates that alkaline hydrolysis is the better choice for cremation. In the end, it all comes down to providing choices for families and offering them the best possible option. And on a morbid note, I’m fine with a future family member making “She’s melting!” Wicked Witch of the West jokes about me after I’ve been liquified. (deb)

*For a good little explanation of the process, check out this video (start at the 1:45 mark)

BROUGHT TO YOU BY