A Guide to Cremated Ashes: From Process to Memorial Options

What is Cremation?

Cremation is a process of body disposal that is an alternative to traditional burial in a coffin or casket. It starts by placing the body in a cremation container and incinerating it in an industrial furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. The process reduces the body to basic human chemical compounds, including gass, ashes, and mineral fragments, known as cremains. These cremains are then returned to the deceased’s family, who can choose various options for memorializing and honoring their loved one.

How is A Cremation Procedure?

A cremation process begins when the deceased person’s body is placed inside a coffin and then into a purpose-built cremator for 1-2 hours.   The body is exposed to extremely high temperatures of around 1000 degrees Celsius, which turns the body into “ashes” and bone fragments. These are then processed further into a fine powder, placed together with the ashes in a container, and returned to the family.  

The process changes the chemical composition of ashes called metal oxidation. Contrary to popular belief, human ashes are not like the ashes from your fireplace. They have a pH of 12 which is 1 million times too high for most plants and they contain a cup of salt which is terrible for photosynthesis. Unlike blood and bone which is good for soil, untreated cremated remains are proven to be harmful to soil health. One study in Melbourne showing it killed 90% of seedlings in 21 days.

What Are Cremated Ashes?

Cremated ashes are the bits and pieces of bones that are left over after the cremation process. It might surprise you to hear that cremated ashes are not the fine, powdery substance that results from burning organic material. Instead, they have a gritty, sand-like texture.

What Is Inside Cremated Ashes?

The interesting thing is that cremated ashes contain all the essential minerals that our bodies need to function properly. These include calcium, phosphate, and trace elements such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on the individual’s age, sex, and bone density.

What Are Environmental Impacts Of Cremation?

Beware, cremated ashes are typically alkaline, with a pH level between 9 and 12, which is similar to the pH of bleach. This high alkalinity can harm soil and water environments if the ashes are not treated or scattered responsibly. Untreated ashes can cause issues such as soil salinity, eutrophication, and disruption of soil biology, leading to plant damage and reduced growth.

What To Do With Human Ashes?

There are numerous unique ways to honor and memorialize cremated ashes of your loved ones such as creating beautiful keepsake jewelry, creating tattoos with ashes, or even creating a vinyl record. But the most sustainable and eco-friendly way is turning ashes into a tree.

The Process Of Turning Ashes Into A Tree

The ashes are treated to neutralize their pH and salt levels that are known to cause trees harm. After treatment, the ashes become an incredible nutrient for growing trees by mixing it with soil. This process beautifully transforms death into life by means of nature. 

Benefits Of Turning Ashes Into A Tree

It has both emotional and environmental benefits. It provides a tangible, lasting memorial that you, your family and friends can visit and watch grow, while also contributing to the planet’s reforestation efforts.

What Are Ashes From the Body?

During the cremation process, the body’s organic matter is vaporised, leaving only the inorganic bone fragments behind. These are then processed into the fine, sand-like ashes that are returned to the family.

Cremation Cost In Australia and Considerations

The cost of cremation can vary, depending on things like where you live, the type of cremation service you choose, and the urn or container you want. On average, a basic cremation can cost between $1,500 and $4,000, while a full-service cremation with a memorial service can range from $3,000 to $7,000. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, direct cremation is a great choice. It’s simple without a formal ceremony, and it often costs between $1,500 and $2,500.

Cremation is often more affordable than a traditional burial, which can cost upwards of $10,000 when you factor in the casket, burial plot, and headstone. Also, you can compare funeral cost in Australia here!

It’s important to remember that the cost of a traditional burial can really add up. There are all kinds of additional expenses to think about, like a headstone, flowers, and ongoing cemetery maintenance fees. These can easily add up to $24,000 or more.