“Disposition” refers to how our bodies are handled after our death, be it through burial, cremation, or otherwise. There are growing number of disposition options nationwide, but only a few are currently legal in Michigan.
Various disposition methods can be useful in different situations, and individuals and their families should never feel judged for their choices. However, statewide education about available options is also widely lacking. We strongly believe in better education for the general public on all matters touching on death, dying, grief, including disposition options. Better awareness of the full breadth of available options enables all of us to make our own informed decisions.
Current Options In Michigan
Conventional Burial
What it is: Typically takes place in a cemetery and involves a non-biodegradable casket, a burial vault (made of metal or concrete), and embalming (typically with a formaldehyde-based fluid). This does not slow the degradation process but does slow it.
It is important to note that this can be an important disposition method for families in some cases (eg, traumatic death), enabling families to see their loved one resting in a semblance of peace.
What it Costs: $5000-$9000+
Environmental Impact: Embalming chemicals (usually formaldehyde-based), vault materials (concrete/metal), and coffin (metal/non-regenerative timber) have a net negative impact on the environment (see chart below), generating hundreds of pounds of CO2 in emissions
Cremation
What it is: Final disposition of a dead body through burning.
It is important to note that this can be a important and sacred disposition method for some cultures and religions (eg, hinduism)
What it costs: $700-$5000+ (yes, it can dramatically vary)
Environmental Impact: Net negative impact on the environment, though marginally better than conventional burial (see chart below), generating hundreds of pounds of CO2 in emissions
Natural Burial
What it is: Typically takes place at a cemetary supporting natural burial or on private land. No burial vault is used and any materials placed into the soil (clothing, casket/shroud, etc) must be able to break down.
What it costs: $500-$5000
Can vary based on selections and use of cemetary vs. private land, but this method runs substantially more affordable than conventional burial
Environmental Impact: Net positive impact on the environment. This disposition gives back more to our planet than it takes (see chart below).
Donation of Remains
What it is: Remains can be donated to universities or other programs for study and educational purposes. Generally, families eventually receive creamins (exact details program-dependent)
What it costs: Free
Environmental Impact: Although cremation is ultimately used, this method gives more to our wider world than it takes through research and education. This is considered to have an impact that is net positive (but difficult to quantify!)
Additional Options Near Michigan
There are some additional disposition options that are not yet legal in Michigan, but are legal in neighboring states. Bodies can be transported across state lines to pursue these options (Note, this must be done in conjunction with a Michigan-based funeral director per state law. Ask your funeral director what kind of paperwork or other requirements are necessary)
Aquamation
What is it: Also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, this is a method of breaking down remains using a heated solution. In addition to receiving their loved ones remains, families can also choose to receive up to 150 gallons of nutrient rich water to support plant life (generally donated if not used)
What it costs: $2000-$3000
Environmental Impact: The process is considered more environmentally friendly than conventional burial and cremation. Although use of the machines does result in CO2 emissions, the process also generates beneficial nutrient rich water that cancels out this impact (hence the blue coloring on the bar graph above)
Natural Reduction/Human Composting
What is it: Leverages the ancient practice of composting to break down remains into nutrient rich soil (currently two methods are available to support this process). Families can choose to receive this soil back fro use in their gardens (generally donated if not used)
What it costs: $2500-5000
Environmental Impact: The process gives back substantially more than it takes away from our environment through the generation of nutrient rich soil.
Burial at Sea
What is it: This would be quite a longer drive for Michigan residents, but Non-cremated remains can be buried at sea. This must take place at least 3 nautical miles from land in waters at least 600 feet deep.