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Let’s talk about death. Emily Nelson, the founder and CEO of Be a Tree Cremation in Denver, believes there is more to death than traditional burials.

Be a Tree Cremation, the second facility of its kind in Colorado, specializes in the process of water cremation—technically known as "alkaline hydrolysis." The process, which was legalized in Colorado in 2011, is surprisingly simple.

“The decedent gets loaded directly into this vessel,” says Nelson, motioning to a large cylindrical metal tube behind her. Then, water is pumped into the vessel along with a small amount of potassium hydroxide. The mixture mimics the natural decomposition process and gently dissolves the body.

When the process is finished, all that remains in the vessel are skeletal remains and things like gold teeth and artificial joints from surgeries such as knee replacements. The skeletal remains are ground into ashes for the family. Other items are safely recycled.

The process also creates a nutrient-dense liquid branded as “Tree Tea.” Family members have the option to purchase small bottles of the liquid to use as nourishment for their plants at home.

Nelson says water cremation is one of the most natural and environmentally-friendly ways to return to the earth, which is what originally inspired her to research the process.

Read the full story: https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/rocky-mou...

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