Cremation options explained
You have more choices than you think—all carbon neutral.
Cremation types
Compare cremation options
Flame Cremation
Uses heat and flame to reduce the body to ash.
- No toxic chemicals
- No burial plot needed
- Fewer resources than burial
Aquamation
Uses water and alkali to reduce the body to ash.
- 90% less energy than flame
- Zero emissions
- No toxic byproducts
Natural Organic Reduction
Uses natural microbes to reduce the body to soil.
- Creates nutrient-rich soil
- Minimal energy use
- Ultra-low emissions
Flame Cremation
This is what most people picture when they think of cremation. Intense heat (1,400-2,000°F) reduces the body to bone fragments over 1-3 hours, which is processed into the ash returned to families.
Skips embalming fluids that can leach into soil and groundwater.
No permanent cemetery plots needed.
Uses minimal materials compared to caskets, and burial infrastructure.
Aquamation
Also called alkaline hydrolysis—this alternative uses water, alkali and gentle warmth to accelerate the body’s natural decomposition. The result is the same: ash that can be spread or buried.
Uses significantly less energy than traditional flame cremation processes.
Produces no air pollution or harmful environmental discharge.
Safely breaks down harmful substances, including chemo drugs and meds.
Natural organic reduction
Natural organic reduction transforms the body into soil. A vessel layered with organic materials creates conditions for microbes to break down the body naturally.
Produces under 20kg of CO2 compared to 500kg for traditional burial.
Yields nutrient-rich earth that can support new life.
Completely eliminates toxic embalming fluids and preservatives.
Our promise to you
Carbon-neutral cremation
While traditional cremation is already more environmentally friendly than burial, carbon-neutral options go further by using carbon offsets to balance out the emissions from the cremation process.
It’s a way to honor your environmental values and honor the planet.
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What are the main cremation options?
At Better Place we offer three carbon-neutral cremation options: flame cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction. See cremation options
What is the difference between cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction?
Each option reflects a different approach to care—but all three share the same commitment: every cremation with Better Place is carbon-neutral, honoring both your loved one and the planet. Your values, your choice, your impact. See cremation options
Flame Cremation—The traditional cremation method, using heat and flame to gently reduce the body to ashes.
Aquamation—A flameless process that uses warm water and a natural alkali solution to return the body to ash — with a significantly lower environmental footprint than flame cremation.
Natural Organic Reduction—A natural process that gently transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil, allowing your loved one to give back to the earth.
Which cremation option is most affordable?
Carbon-neutral flame cremation is our most affordable option. It’s the same dignified, professional care as every Better Place cremation—just at a lower cost, and always carbon-neutral. View pricing
Which cremation option is the most environmentally friendly?
Natural organic reduction is the most environmentally friendly cremation option. At Better Place, we offer natural organic reduction, aquamation, and flame cremation—and every one of them is carbon neutral.
Every cremation produces some emissions, whether from transportation, energy use, or the process itself. Carbon-neutral cremation means we don’t look away from that reality. We measure it, account for it, and offset it. No greenwashing. No vague claims.
Emissions calculated—We measure the full carbon footprint of every cremation. No estimates, no rounding down.
Offsets verified—We partner only with verified environmental programs matched to the measured impact.
Always carbon-neutral—Every cremation with Better Place is offset, on record, and fully traceable.
Can I still have a memorial service with any cremation option?
Yes—and with Better Place, a memorial can be something truly meaningful. When you choose a living memorial, ashes can be returned to nature in a protected Memorial Forest, either at a private Memorial Tree or in a shared Spreading Grove. You also have the option to hold a Natural Memorial Ceremony, where family and friends can gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.
Are these cremation options available in California?
Yes. We currently offer all three cremation options in California.
How do I choose the right cremation option for my family?
Choosing the right cremation option is a deeply personal decision—and many families find it easier with a knowledgeable guide by their side. A Better Place Guide will help you understand your options, answer your questions honestly, and walk you through next steps, with no pressure and no sales pitch.
Here’s how a conversation with a Guide works:
You ask questions. They answer honestly. What’s included? What does the process look like? Is this the right choice for my family?
You explore all carbon-neutral options. Flame cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction — explained clearly, so you can decide what feels right.
You learn what comes after. Discover memorial options you may not know exist, from private Memorial Trees to shared Spreading Groves.
You leave with clarity. We’ll help you understand what’s right for you. No obligation. Just an honest conversation
What is returned to the family after each cremation option?
After a carbon-neutral cremation with Better Place, families receive their loved one’s remains in a beautiful, sustainable urn. What those remains look like depends on the cremation option you choose:
Flame cremation & aquamation — Ashes are returned in an urn, ready to be kept, or spread at a living memorial until spread—either in a shared Spreading Grove or at a private Memorial Tree in a protected Memorial Forest.
Natural organic reduction—Nutrient-rich soil is returned, ready to be kept, or spread at a living memorial until spread—either in a shared Spreading Grove or at a private Memorial Tree in a protected Memorial Forest.
How long does each cremation option take?
Each cremation option varies in length. Here’s what to expect from process to return:
Flame Cremation: 1-3 hours duration, 3-7 days until ashes are returned
Aquamation: 6-20 hours duration, 7-14 days until ashes are returned
Natural organic reduction: 30-60 days duration, 2-3 months until soil is returned
Is cremation more sustainable than burial?
Traditional burial carries an environmental footprint that’s easy to overlook. Cremation can reduce that impact. Carbon-neutral cremation goes further.
Significant Impact
Traditional Burial
- Land use and maintenance
- Concrete vault required
- Highly toxic embalming chemicals
- Non-biodegradable materials
Reduced Impact
Standard Cremation
- No land use
- Emissions produced during process
- No toxic embalming chemicals
- Smaller overall carbon footprint
Zero Net Impact
Carbon-Neutral Cremation
- No land use
- No toxic embalming chemicals
- Emissions measured and fully offset
- Most responsible, eco-friendly choice
