Water Cremation Revolution In Australia Is Here. The Gentle Way, also known as water cremation, provides a revolutionary and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fire-based cremation. Using a technique called Alkaline Hydrolysis, it gently reduces the body to its natural elements through water, heat, and an alkaline solution. This method offers a dignified and sustainable way to honour loved ones while prioritising the health of the planet.
Water cremation, or Alkaline Hydrolysis, is a progressive method of body disposition that replaces the harsh flames of fire cremation with a gentler, water-based process. This innovative approach reduces the body to a state similar to that achieved by traditional cremation but with far less environmental impact. In Australia, The Gentle Way is increasingly becoming available, with services offered in Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane & soon the whole of Sydney.
The process begins with the placement of the body in a specially designed chamber. This chamber is quarter filled with a warm solution of water and potassium hydroxide, which is heated to a warm consistent temperature. Over four hours, this solution carefully breaks down the body’s organic components, leaving behind pure bone ash and a sterile liquid. Families receive the ashes in an urn, similar to traditional cremation, but with the added benefit of a smaller ecological footprint.
The Gentle Way is not only an environmentally conscious choice but also an ethical one. It treats the deceased with the utmost care and respect. Unlike traditional cremation or burial, this process allows for the safe retrieval of medical devices such as pacemakers, implants, or jewellery after the procedure, ensuring dignity throughout the process. By choosing The Gentle Way, families are taking an active role in reducing the environmental impact of their farewell practices. Water cremation exemplifies the shift towards more sustainable and compassionate approaches to end-of-life care.
The environmental advantages of The Gentle Way are vast, making it the preferred choice for those seeking sustainable options. Traditional cremation is known to produce approximately 400 kilograms of greenhouse gases per body due to the high temperatures needed for the process. In contrast, The Gentle Way generates less than 20 kilograms of greenhouse gases, making it far kinder to the environment. The energy required for fire cremation is immense, as temperatures must reach around 900°C. The Gentle Way uses only 10% of this energy, dramatically reducing resource consumption and emissions. When paired with renewable energy sources, the process can become almost entirely carbon-neutral
While traditional cremation requires high temperatures and extensive energy, The Gentle Way operates at much lower temperatures and uses a fraction of the energy. This makes it a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. Fire cremations release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulates, and heavy metals. The Gentle Way, on the other hand, avoids these emissions altogether, providing a cleaner, safer alternative for the planet and local communities. Traditional burials, while seemingly eco-friendly, involve ongoing environmental costs such as land use, headstone production, and grave maintenance. The Gentle Way eliminates these concerns, offering a single-step, low-impact method of disposition.
Water cremation is gaining recognition as the future of sustainable end-of-life care. As awareness of its benefits grows, more families are choosing this eco-conscious option. The Gentle Way aligns with modern values, providing an ethical, environmentally sound method of honouring loved ones while reducing the strain on natural resources.
Alkaline Hydrolysis is the scientific process behind water cremation. It uses a combination of water, heat, and an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body. This process mimics the natural breakdown that occurs in soil over many years but completes it in a matter of hours. The result is a sterile liquid and soft white bone ash, both free from harmful pathogens and pollutants.
Yes, The Gentle Way is a legal and recognised method of body disposition in several Australian states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, and South Australia. It’s acceptance continues to grow as more people learn about its environmental and ethical advantages. In Townsville there has been more than 500 Gentle Way processes since opening a year and a half ago.
The ashes returned to families after water cremation are similar in appearance and composition to those from fire cremation. However, they are often described as being softer and whiter due to the gentler process involved. There often are more ashes than fire cremation.
The liquid produced during The Gentle Way is completely sterile and free of harmful substances. It contains nutrients that can safely return to the environment, making it an eco-friendly byproduct of the process. No harsh chemicals come out of the machine.
The Gentle Way offers a meaningful and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cremation and burial. With its gentle process, reduced emissions, and minimal energy use, it honours both loved ones and the planet. As more Australians embrace this innovative option, water cremation is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in end-of-life care.
Take a Further Look At The Gentle Way
View The Gentle Way Machine and how it works.
