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

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE DEARLY DEPARTED

More often than not, travel insurance proves to be an additional investment on a vacation that does nothing more than put money in the pockets of insurance companies and their salespeople.  Purchasing travel insurance just in case you die while traveling away from home is also a poor investment.

The funeral industry created travel insurance plans as a way to up sales and pay larger commissions.  These plans usually cost between $250 and $500, and, in most cases, half of the policy is immediately paid as a commission to the person writing the contract.  They know that preying on your fears will help them sell products and services you really don't need and will probably never use - a travel insurance plan is one of the most useless of services offered by the funeral industry.

Just like travel insurance, a funeral (or cremation) travel insurance plan has many stipulations that will render it useless in the event death occurs away from home.  These plans are not refundable if they are not used or fail to perform.

It is extremely rare that death will occur while traveling.  When pre-arranging funeral or cremation services make sure the plan can be paid to another service provider, if needed while traveling or in case you move out of the area.

Buying and Selling Cemetery Property

There are options when it comes to buying and selling (yes, selling) cemetery property. Knowing the options can save or even make you money.

Over the years families purchase cemetery property and then for some reason or another don't use it. Without the help of a Cemetery Broker, many families are stuck with this unneeded, but expensive investment. A Cemetery Broker can help.

Cemeteries are not in the business of buying cemetery property, so a Cemetery Broker can list and sell unused cemetery property, much like a traditional real estate broker. Like a forgotten bank account, this money could provide relief during this very difficult economic time.

When in the market to purchase cemetery property, a Cemetery Broker can save you money, because many of the listings are priced less, in some cases much less, than if buying from the cemetery directly.

The news is even better if you are a US Veteran. Spaces for casket burial and cremated remains are absolutely FREE in any National Cemetery accepting burials. Some of the cemeteries are among the most beautiful around and are offered at no charge to the family.

Remember, working with an affordable funeral service provider and a Cemetery Broker or National Cemetery could make memorialization of a loved one in a cemetery an affordable option.

Celebrate Life... Not Death.

Traditionally, when a person's life has come to an end we prepare to mourn their loss.  In some instances, death is a release from pain and suffering - especially when life-long illnesses or conditions have made living unbearable.  In most cases, however, there are actually positive situations and accomplishments worth celebrating.

It is important to remember that a funeral is for the living, not the person who has died.  It is for family and friends to gather and support each other.  More appropriate, but not often thought of, would be a Celebration of Life.

A Celebration of Life has no limitations and is completely open to creativity and imagination, and, may or may not include the remains of the person whose life is being celebrated, but will definitely reflect their life, interests and accomplishments.

If a person enjoyed playing sports, such as golf or football, a celebration could be held on a golf course or in a sky box, for someone that enjoyed the outdoors, a celebration could be held in a park.  For someone that is involved in theater or enjoyed music, a multi-media presentation set to music might be a wonderful way to memorialize the way they lived and who they were.  To symbolize the release of a person's spirit, a balloon or dove release may be appropriate.  To symbolize the continuation of life and the memory of the person's life, making pouches of seeds of their favorite flowers to give to family and friends to plant in their yard might be a good idea.

If a person was very spiritual or religious, a traditional church service might be the most appropriate way to honor their life and beliefs.

Keep in mind that there is no right way to celebrate a life.  No matter how simple or detailed, family and friends know the best way to Celebrate Life.

My Local Mortuary Sure Asks A Lot Of Questions!

Recently, a survey from "local" mortuaries was sent to many homes throughout the Bay Area asking some very personal questions.  We did some checking and this is what we found:

The mortuaries that sent out this survey, despite hiding behind a locally recognized name, are huge publically traded companies gathering information for marketing of cemetery property, pre-need funeral plans or other cremation and burial related products.

The information you provide them is used strictly for marketing purposes.  Answering their questions and providing your personal information may subject you to countless other companies marketing other products and services.  Needless to say, you just provided your information to another marketing list and you have no idea who has your personal information or who has access to it.

Due to identity theft, it is not recommended that you provide your personal information to any solicitation that comes in the mail.

When the time comes to make funeral arrangements, call around to different firms.  Ask questions, find out who owns them, the services they provide and prices.  You want to look for the most affordable price because providers of cremation and burial services are highly regulated by state and federal agencies and provide very similar services; a high price does not guarantee a better service - it just guarantees a high price.

For more information or to ask a question, please write to:  info@AcaciaSociety.com