NEW CREMATION PROCESS IS ALL WET

The constant development of eco-friendly options effects every aspect of our life and may now affect our death.

Because traditional burial uses chemicals that can leak into the ground, reinforced concrete vaults and takes up large amounts of space and traditional cremation uses natural or propane gas and emits pollutants like mercury into the air, many are looking for eco-friendly options.

A British company is offering such an option. Liquid Cremation.

Liquid Cremation, Resomation or Alkaline Hydrolysis is a process by which the body is placed into a silk bag, then into a metal cage and then into a machine called a Resonator. The machine is filled with a mixture of water and lye, heated to 320F and pressurized to prevent boiling. In approximately three hours the body is reduced to its chemical components - a green-brown tinted liquid that is then drained into the sanitary sewer system. What is left is the skeletal structure, which is processed into a powder.

Although some experts say this process is safe for the environment and local water supply, many families are not comfortable with the process. Currently legal in a few states, Liquid Cremation is not yet available in California. 

For more information on burial and cremation services call (877) 916-4779 or visit www.AcaciaSociety.com

California Assembly Says: "DEATH CERTIFICATES ARE A LUXURY"

Death Certificates issued by California Counties are a luxury according to aids in the office of California Assemblyman Richard Gordon (D) author of California Assembly Bill 1053.  Beginning January 1, 2012, and for each of the next two years, raises the cost per death certificate $2.  The cost per copy of a death certificate in Contra Costa County in 2011 was $15 but by 2013 death certificates will be $21.  There are other county fees added to the cost of a death certificate that could affect this cost - charges which have nothing to do with a death certificate, but are being added to the already unbearable burden of the loss of a friend or loved one.

 
Unknown to most is that they pay for the production of death certificates in the cost of cremation and burial arrangements:  information to complete the death certificate is gathered from the deceased survivors and entered into the state electronic death registry and the causes of death are obtained and entered by a funeral professional - not the county or state, all paid for by the survivors of the deceased.  So, in no way is such an exorbitant cost justifiable.

A death certificate is not a luxury.  It is a necessity for taking care of one's personal affairs.  Contact your representative and ask them to balance the budget through spending cuts and being fiscally responsible - not taking advantage of California families in their time of need.

"Don't Die Before You Read This!"

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to make the most important new year's resolution of your life.  Planning for your death.

Part of being human is avoiding any discussion or thought about our own mortality - but the truth of the matter is death and taxes are the only guarantees we have in life.

You can't tell the government which taxes you are going to pay or how; but you can decide what will happen to you when you die.

There are many choices available for the disposition of one's earthly remains.  Some options for disposition are:  Cremation, Traditional Burial, Green Burial or Donating the Body to Science.  Depending on your choice, there may be other decisions - place of interment (cemetery or other place of final rest), type of casket or urn or which science program to donate to.  Your choices will be influenced by personal preference, ecological concerns or financial situation.  The most important thing to remember is that putting this information in writing will guarantee that your survivors will know your wishes and will have the peace of mind that they are honoring your choices.

 
You may simply put this information in writing and keep it in a safe place, easily found in the event of your death, or, see a cremation or burial professional to arrange a pre-paid plan.  Remember to compare plans and prices BEFORE making a final decision.  For more information, please call Acacia Cremation and Burial Society (877) 916-4779 or visit us on the web:  www.AcaciaSociety.com