I don't know where this topic goes. Part of me considered the Environmental or AGING forums. Here it is, anyhow.
Cremation to be replaced by eco-friendly freeze-drying of corpses
by JAMES TOZER
9th October 2006
It brings a new meaning to the phrase "dust to dust".
Funerals in Britain could soon end with the body of a loved-one being frozen to -196C in liquid nitrogen and then shaken until it disintegrates into powder. The process - known as "promession" - could be the answer to the dwindling amount of space in Britain's cemeteries as well as being more environmentally friendly than cremation, say campaigners.
It has already been given the go-ahead in Sweden, and now councils are lobbying the Government to change the law to allow it to happen here - currently bodies can only be buried or cremated. A survey of 100 local authorities found that more than a quarter were already actively considering freeze-drying bodies, the latest being Preston in Lancashire.
Many cemeteries will run out of space within ten years, forcing councils to consider unpopular solutions such as "double-decker" graves, with coffins buried on top of one another, or even vertically - effectively standing up.
Around seven out of ten people currently opt for the cheaper option of cremation, but that also has its problems. Burning dental fillings creates mercury emissions, and Government targets mean filters must be fitted to crematoria, some of which may have to be completely rebuilt as a result at a cost of millions. Supporters also say it boosts the environment further as it is better at recycling nutrients than burial where the body is embalmed and buried at greater depth.
So as bizarre as it sounds, growing numbers of councils are signing up to the idea of freeze-drying bodies.
The process involves dipping the body in -196C liquid nitrogen until it is brittle, and then placing it on a vibrating mat so it disintegrates into powder. A magnetic field then removes metal objects like fillings and artificial limbs from the remains.
The town of Jönköping in Sweden - where the process was invented by an ecologist - is set to become the first to begin disposing of bodies in this way later this year, and it is being watched eagerly by authorities in Britain.
Here, Crewe and Nantwich council in Cheshire is leading the way thanks to the enthusiasm of its cemetery and crematoria manager, Mary Slinn.
"Everything points to it dealing with many of the problems we face in disposing of bodies, and a growing number of councils are interested in finding out more," she said.
"But until the law is amended, we cannot take it any further.
"It's not legal or illegal, but the law only permits burial or cremation at the moment, and we hope the growing interest in alternative methods like this will see that changed."
Among at least 27 councils which have expressed an interest are Leicester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Carlisle and Fareham in Hampshire.
Anthony Gornall, who chairs Preston City Council's working group on the future of disposal of bodies, said: "Mercury abatement on crematoria is going to cost us a fortune, well over a-quarter-of-a-million pounds per unit, and this has got to be worth looking at."
A key consideration will be cost - authorities would need to build what have been dubbed "promatoria" in which bodies could be freeze-dried - although ceremonies would probably carry a similar price to cremation.
The Church of England and other churches say they have no objection to freeze-drying of bodies in principle, provided it is done with dignity and reverence.
The Department of Constitutional Affairs said it would consult on changing the law if the idea won widespread support.
++++++++++++++ I just love the pragmatic Brits! Wonder if you could put your freeze-dried Auntie into the garden and boost the primroses?
Chill Out?
Chill Out?
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
Chill Out?
adds new meaning to the term frozen stiff 
Chill Out?
Hell, you could put your old Auntie into a gin/tonic and toast her with a chilled drink! :wah:
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
Chill Out?
Lulu2 wrote: Hell, you could put your old Auntie into a gin/tonic and toast her with a chilled drink! :wah:
You wouldn't need the gin with my Auntie. She's 100% proof anyway.....
You wouldn't need the gin with my Auntie. She's 100% proof anyway.....
Chill Out?
jimbo wrote: adds new meaning to the term frozen stiff
:wah: :wah: :wah:
:wah: :wah: :wah:
Originally Posted by spot
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
Chill Out?
Imladris wrote: :wah: :wah: :wah:
cheers i girl it sucks when you say something you think is really funny but no one even comments do you have a fan club if so .....
cheers i girl it sucks when you say something you think is really funny but no one even comments do you have a fan club if so .....
Chill Out?
They could just put me in a box and throw me in the ocean I suppose. I ain't gonna know much about it.
But, that is kinda strange.
But, that is kinda strange.
Chill Out?
Actually, I kinda like the idea. 
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
Chill Out?
Rapunzel wrote: Actually, I kinda like the idea.
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
That's really gruesome, but how does anyone know that that was the last thing she felt.
To be honest it's almost impossible for someone who is not dead to be cremated. When they die a Dr or qualified nurse has to pronounce life extinct,
Two doctors have to see the body to fill in the necessary paperwork and if the body has been kept in a body 'fridge for any length of time the cold will finish them off!!
It's much easier to be buried alive - don't have to have two drs fill in forms - just one to pronounce life extinct (think Shipman)
I've always said that if I disappear get someone to check the recent burials, it would be very easy for hubby to bury me with someone else (either whole or in bits!!!)
:sneaky: :wah:
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
That's really gruesome, but how does anyone know that that was the last thing she felt.
To be honest it's almost impossible for someone who is not dead to be cremated. When they die a Dr or qualified nurse has to pronounce life extinct,
Two doctors have to see the body to fill in the necessary paperwork and if the body has been kept in a body 'fridge for any length of time the cold will finish them off!!
It's much easier to be buried alive - don't have to have two drs fill in forms - just one to pronounce life extinct (think Shipman)
I've always said that if I disappear get someone to check the recent burials, it would be very easy for hubby to bury me with someone else (either whole or in bits!!!)
:sneaky: :wah:
Originally Posted by spot
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy
Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time
Chill Out?
Rapunzel wrote: Actually, I kinda like the idea.
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
Thanks Rap, that's another paranoia to file along with general anesthetics not working properly and people breaking in to my house when I'm out, hiding in the wardrobe ready to spring out with a knife just as I fall to sleep....:rolleyes:
The thought of burial worries me . . . what if you're not actually dead and you wake up 6 feet under?
I haven't liked the thought of cremation since reading about a husband who injected his wife with something which made her 'appear' to be dead. (He was a doctor) She woke up to find she was being cremated . . . and the last thing she felt was her eyeballs melting! *shudder*
At least if you're instantly frozen, then if you weren't dead before - you sure as heck are then! And nothing to worry about!
Thanks Rap, that's another paranoia to file along with general anesthetics not working properly and people breaking in to my house when I'm out, hiding in the wardrobe ready to spring out with a knife just as I fall to sleep....:rolleyes:
Chill Out?
Katy1 wrote: Thanks Rap, that's another paranoia to file along with general anesthetics not working properly and people breaking in to my house when I'm out, hiding in the wardrobe ready to spring out with a knife just as I fall to sleep....:rolleyes:
First time I ever had surgery, the only thing I remember was clinging to the doctor demanding he assure me I wouldn't wake up when they started cutting
First time I ever had surgery, the only thing I remember was clinging to the doctor demanding he assure me I wouldn't wake up when they started cutting
Chill Out?
As far as I am concerned you can throw me in the bog when I finished, either that or build a huge pyramid made out of cut stone blocks weighing 40 tonnes each, and build it in such a way as that crazy people from 4,000 years in the future think I was in league with aliens or something, either way is fine, I'm flexible.
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Chill Out?
How about an enormous statue of you, with a pint in hand? GALBALLY THE GREAT LIES HERE? Add a touch of class to the pyramid.....
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay