In British Columbia, families currently have only two legal options for human disposition: burial—either traditional or green—and flame-based cremation. In contrast, other provinces and many U.S. states have expanded their offerings to include more environmentally responsible alternatives, while BC’s options have seen little change.

In some communities, including ours, we are fortunate to have access to green burial. Natural burial aligns with values of simplicity, land stewardship, and a positive ecological impact. This option, however, is not available everywhere in the province. In many parts of BC, green burial is either unavailable or cost prohibitive, leaving most families with cremation as the default—and often only—realistic choice.

As awareness grows around climate responsibility, many people are beginning to reflect not only on how they live, but also on how they wish to die. Flame-based cremation, while widely accepted, carries a significant environmental cost. It relies on fossil fuels, requires high levels of energy, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For many families, this impact is at odds with the environmental values they hold.

One alternative gaining attention elsewhere is aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. Aquamation is a water-based process that uses a combination of water, gentle heat, and an alkaline solution to return a body to its basic elements. Compared to flame cremation, water cremation uses substantially less energy and results in far lower emissions. The remaining bone material is processed into a form similar to cremated remains and can be returned to families in much the same way. Aquamation is already legal and regulated in several Canadian provinces and many U.S. states, where it is increasingly recognized as a respectful and environmentally responsible option.

Policy change is shaped by public engagement. When people speak up about the choices they want, it signals that these options are practical, relevant, and widely supported. If you support bringing aquamation to BC, consider contacting Attorney General Niki Sharma and MLA Anna Kindy to express your interest and to ask about timelines for proposed legislation.

Attorney General Niki Sharma
Email: ag.minister@gov.bc.ca

MLA Anna Kindy

Email: Anna.Kindy.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Change happens when people learn about better possibilities and speak up to let decision-makers know it’s time for something new.