This Way Forward
In this documentary series, we take look at a variety of challenges facing Europe today. What ideas are out there and which solutions should we implement to enrich our common future?
This Way Forward
6. Trash or Treasure: What can we do with our bodies?
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CGTN EUROPE
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Season 4
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Episode 6
Death is the final act of our lives, and it can be environmentally devastating: every cremation uses the equivalent of about 40 backyard-barbecue propane canisters and creates one tonne of carbon dioxide, while traditional burials eat up the land and can leach chemicals into the soil.
In this episode, we explore the increasing choice of alternative methods that are appearing for disposing of our mortal remains – from chemical-free 'natural burials' through organic reduction and 'water cremation' to burials at sea and even freeze-drying. But what are the ethical and ecological pros and cons of each method?