Aquamation Rules in Texas

Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, has been making significant strides towards more sustainable ways of burial. Aquamation, a process that uses water and alkali to break down the body, has been legal in Texas since 2011. Unlike traditional cremation, which uses heat and flames to break down the body, aquamation is a more eco-friendly option that has gained popularity in recent years. Is Texas becoming more environmentally conscious when it comes to burials? With recent laws changing, there has been a push to provide more sustainable options for saying goodbye to loved ones within the state. The city of Austin, for example, has a green burial park where natural burials can take place. Natural burials involve placing the body in the ground without the use of embalming fluids or a casket, allowing the body to decompose naturally.

Is Everyone in Favour in Texas?

However, natural burials still face some resistance from locals. Some worry about the potential side effects on water quality. Extensive testing has shown that natural burials do not have an impact on water quality, but concerns still persist. To address these concerns, some burial sites are designed to have an impermeable layer between the burial area and the groundwater, ensuring that there is no risk of contamination. Can I have a water burial in Texas? Yes, aquamation is legal in Texas, but there are currently limited facilities that offer this process for human remains. Funeral homes and burial sites are expected to offer water burials in the future, now that it has been legal for over a decade. Aquamation is a gentler process than traditional cremation, and it produces a higher quality of ash that is more suitable for scattering.

Scattering Ashes in Texas

What do I need to know about scattering loved ones ashes here in Texas? Texas has no specific rules on where ashes can be scattered, but it's important to scatter ashes responsibly. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends scattering ashes in areas that are unlikely to be disturbed by human or animal activity. Scattering ashes at sea is also a popular option, and there are many charter services that offer this service in Texas. Why should Texas funeral homes be encouraged to adopt water burials? The benefits to the environment cannot be overstated. According to Resomation, a company that produces machinery for water burial procedures, natural cremation can cut gas emissions per funeral home by 35% when compared to traditional cremation. In addition, the process uses less energy, making it a more sustainable choice. If adopted more widely, water burials could have a significant positive impact on the environment. By choosing aquamation, Texans can say goodbye to their loved ones in a way that is gentle on the environment and honors their memory. For more information on aquamation in Texas, please do get in touch through our contact form.