Burial at sea
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has an informative website explaining the options for burial at sea and the relevant regulations. The placement of human remains in ocean waters must be beyond “three nautical miles from shore.” A sea burial must be reported within 30 days after the burial; the reporting form is on the E.P.A. site.
Alkaline hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis (also called “water cremation” or aquamation) combines water, alkaline chemicals, and heat to accelerate natural decomposition, leaving only bone fragments and a neutral liquid (effluent). It uses less fuel then flame cremation, and causes less air pollution. The resulting “remains” tend to be whiter than the grey “ashes” from flame cremation. The liquid effluent can be discharged safely into wastewater systems. Massachusetts does not (yet) allow Alkaline hydrolysis, but the option is already legal in many states, including Florida, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, and Washington. For a basic overview of the process and the status of state laws, see Nolo’s Alkaline Hydrolysis state-by-state
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)
Natural Organic Reduction (also known as “human composting”) is a newer option, implemented first in Washington state in 2020. Colorado and Oregon have approved it, and a bill has been filed by Massachusetts legislators wishing to add environmentally friendly burial options here. See Oregon’s summary about NOR as “A Natural Choice for the End of Life.“
Traveling the World
There are many other options and customs for death care. For advice about U.S. residents who happen to die while abroad, see Death Away From Home (FCA). For exploration of customs in other cultures, read Caitlyn Doughty’s book, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death.