By Aeternitas by JI
Saying Goodbye Sustainably
Did you know that traditional cremation releases about 534.6 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air for every body cremated? That’s like burning 113 liters of gasoline per person. Multiply that by the millions of cremations performed each year, and it adds up to a massive environmental footprint.
As more families become mindful of their choices — not just in life but also in death — a new option is gaining attention: Green Bone Cremation.
This article will help you understand what it is, how it works, and why it could be the future of sustainable farewells.
The Problem with Traditional Cremation
Cremation is often seen as a cleaner and simpler alternative to burial. But what many don’t realize is that conventional flame-based cremation relies on fossil fuels, reaching up to 1,400–1,800°F, and emits not only carbon dioxide but also mercury and other pollutants from dental fillings and materials used in the body.
It also consumes a significant amount of natural gas and electricity. In fact, some studies estimate that the environmental cost of a single cremation is equivalent to a 500-kilometer car drive.
So while it might feel like a “minimal” option, it still leaves a large carbon footprint.
What Is Green Bone Cremation?
Green Bone Cremation, sometimes referred to as Aquamation or Alkaline Hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. Instead of fire, it uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to gently break down the body.
Here’s how it works:
- The body is placed in a stainless-steel chamber.
- A solution of 95% water and 5% alkali (usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) is added.
- The chamber is heated to about 150°C (300°F), and over a few hours, the soft tissues are dissolved.
- What remains is a sterile liquid (that can safely be returned to the earth) and bone ash, similar to what is returned after flame cremation — but much whiter and finer in texture.
The process mimics the natural decomposition that occurs in soil, but it happens in just a few hours instead of years.
Why Is It Called “Green Bone Cremation”?
The term “Green Bone Cremation” refers to how eco-friendly the process is, as well as the color and quality of the bone ash it leaves behind.
- Greener for the planet: It produces no smoke, no harmful gases, and uses less energy.
- Cleaner remains: The resulting ash is pure white, unlike the grayish remains of flame cremation, and it contains no harmful metals or toxins.
- Gentler process: Many families find comfort knowing their loved one’s transition was done in a more natural, respectful way.
The Environmental Benefits
According to Resomation Ltd, a leading provider of the technology, green cremation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional methods. Here are some specific benefits:
- Uses 1/8th of the energy of traditional cremation.
- No airborne emissions like carbon monoxide, methane, or mercury.
- The water used in the process is filtered and returned to the ecosystem safely.
- Bone remains are returned in a clean, sterile form — safe for keeping, scattering, or interment.
This makes Green Bone Cremation one of the most sustainable end-of-life choices available today.
Is It Legal in the Philippines?
As of now, Green Bone Cremation is still an emerging practice in the Philippines. However, several progressive funeral and memorial service providers — including Aeternitas by JI — are studying this technology closely, preparing to introduce it as a next-generation solution for families who value sustainability.
Countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia already offer this option in selected states and provinces. The movement is growing — and demand is rising globally.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Cremation?
| Feature | Traditional Cremation | Green Bone Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Fire | Water + Alkali |
| Temperature | 1,400-1,800°F | ~300°F |
| Emissions | CO₂, mercury, pollutants | None |
| Time | 2-3 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Bone Ash | Gray and coarse | White and fine |
| Environmental Impact | High | Very Low |
Common Questions About Green Bone Cremation
Q: Is it safe?
Yes. The process has been tested and used for decades in medical and scientific settings. It’s sterile, non-toxic, and regulated where legal.
Q: Will I still get the ashes?
Absolutely. The bones are processed into ash, just like in traditional cremation, and can be placed in urns, columbarium vaults, or scattered according to your wishes.
Q: How much does it cost?
In markets where it’s available, Green Bone Cremation is comparable in price to traditional cremation, sometimes even more affordable in the long run due to lower energy use and maintenance.
Q: Can it be done with chapel services?
Yes. Aeternitas by JI is designing memorial services that blend modern sustainability with traditional Filipino warmth and compassion — allowing you to celebrate life the way your loved one would want.
Why Aeternitas Is Advocating for It
At Aeternitas by JI, we believe that every ending should be filled with dignity, and that includes honoring the Earth as well. As caretakers of both memories and the future, we are working to make Green Bone Cremation available in the Philippines, starting in Quezon City.
We see this as more than a service — it’s a movement for mindful memorials.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a memorial service is one of the most personal decisions a family will ever make. More and more people today are asking: “How can we honor our loved ones while protecting the world they loved?”
Green Bone Cremation offers a thoughtful answer — gentle on the soul, and gentle on the Earth.
Want to Know More?
If you’re curious about how Green Bone Cremation might work for your family or how we at Aeternitas by JI are preparing for this future, we’d love to talk. Visit our chapel, send us a message, or schedule a free consultation.
Because the way we say goodbye says a lot about how we choose to live.
Would you consider an eco-friendly farewell for the ones you love?
Honoring our loved ones 
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