LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — They say the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes. When it comes to death your choices are burial or cremation - but not anymore. Contact 13 looks at the safe and eco-friendly option now available in Las Vegas.
"It's a really wonderful alternative," said Laura Sussman, president of Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services.
IT'S CALLED AQUAMATION
It's the only place in the state currently licensed for what's called aquamation. It's a flameless cremation that uses water, instead of fire.
"It's eco-friendly. It has 1/10 the carbon footprint of flame cremation. There are no emissions into the air," Sussman said.
She also says 90% of the families she's meeting with are choosing this new process.
LIKES IDEA OF AQUA-PROCEDURE
"I called as soon as I saw it. I saw it on Facebook. They had an ad," said Terrie Bergman.
She also said she liked the idea of an aqua-procedure when planning for her own passing.
"I grew up in Atlantic City. I swam before I walked... I was just always comfortable, peaceful, love water," Bergman said.
The 77-year old said she also likes that it's eco-friendly.
COMPLETELY SANITARY
"I like that it wasn't acid. I like that it had something to do with helping the environment," Bergman said.
"With this process, everything is completely sanitary," Sussman said.
The process mixes water with a sodium and potassium hydroxide combination that breaks down the body.
MORE CREMATED REMAINS
The water is drained, then the bones are dried and processed into ashes.
"The family also gets 20% more of the cremated remains back than they would with flame cremation," Sussman said.
The bone mineral-calcium phosphate ashes are completely safe to handle and keep inside an urn.
IT FELT RIGHT
In the end, Terrie says it was an easy choice.
"This is what I want to do. No hesitancy on my part. It felt right," Bergman said.
The aquamation process is about $300 more than a traditional cremation.
But another benefit is the body never leaves the funeral home. Instead of going to a crematorium, this clean version is all done at the funeral home.
Click here for more information about aquamation.
