Eco-Friendly Burial Option: Water Cremation
In a quiet corner of West Baltimore, a new, environmentally conscious way to say goodbye is taking root. Maryland has become one of the latest states to legalize “water cremation,” a process that uses a chemical solution to gently dissolve the body instead of fire. Known formally as alkaline hydrolysis, this method is gaining popularity as a greener, less harsh alternative to traditional cremation.
The Washington Post reports that over half of U.S. states now permit water cremation, which has been used in the funeral industry since 2011. In Maryland, the Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home is the first to offer the service. There, bodies are placed into a sleek silver chamber where water and chemicals break down organic material over several hours, leaving only bones and a sterile liquid by-product.
Supporters say the process appeals to those who want a gentler, more natural farewell—and who are also mindful of their environmental impact. Flame-based cremations can emit more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide per body, the equivalent of driving roughly 600 miles. Water cremation, by contrast, produces no airborne emissions.
Maryland’s path to legalization was fueled by people like Adrian Gardner, who, inspired by personal loss, joined forces with professionals to advocate for change. Their efforts paid off in 2024, when state lawmakers approved both alkaline hydrolysis and human composting (also called natural organic reduction).
The Baltimore funeral home worked closely with local authorities to ensure that the remaining liquid from the process could be safely treated and disposed of via the city’s sewer system. However, despite the law’s passage, final regulations are still being ironed out—leaving the process in something of a legal gray area.
Meanwhile, the high costs of installing the necessary equipment are slowing adoption, even in states where water cremation is now legal. But as more people seek environmentally friendly options at the end of life, industry experts say interest in this low-impact alternative will likely keep growing.
About Post Author
