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Two Ripples

Frequently Asked Questions

At Tranquil Tides, we understand that choosing aftercare for your beloved pet can be a difficult decision, and you may have many questions about aquamation. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions about the aquamation process.

  • What is aquamation?
    A flameless cremation process that uses water instead of fire.
  • What happens during aquamation?
    Your pet's body is placed in a special container, where a combination of gentle water flow, warmth, and a naturally occurring catalyst called alkali work together to accelerate the natural breakdown of tissues.
  • Is acid used?
    No. Aquamation uses alkali, which is the opposite of acid. Alkalis are gentle and derived from natural sources like sodium and potassium salts – the same ones found in some soaps and even foods!
  • Is it safe for the environment?
    Absolutely. The alkali is completely neutralized during the process, and the water is safely returned to the ecosystem through the wastewater treatment facility, just like in traditional embalming.
  • What makes aquamation especially kind to the earth?
    No harmful emissions: It doesn't release any harmful greenhouse gases or mercury into the atmosphere. Energy efficient: Aquamation uses significantly less energy than traditional cremation, leaving a much smaller carbon footprint. Water conservation: While water is essential to the process, the amount used is surprisingly minimal – less than a typical household uses in a single day.
  • What about the ashes?
    The ashes are 100% safe to handle and are simply bone mineral, just like with flame cremation. They can be kept in an urn, buried, or scattered in a special place.
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