X-Message-Number: 23415

From: =?windows-1251?Q?=22?=Mikhail 
Soloviev=?windows-1251?Q?=22=20?=<>
Subject: Freeze-dry burials (Promessa, Sweden)
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 15:48:33 +0300

Freeze-dry burials -- from Promessa Organic AB (Sweden) web site:

http://www.promessa.se/index_en.asp
http://www.promessa.se/sagardettill_en.asp

[See also "Swedes offer freeze-dry burials" on BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3473103.stm]

The method behind ecological burial is crystal-clear, easy to 
grasp and accept. It is based on a new combination of tried-
and-tested techniques that prepare the corpse for a natural 
process of decomposition. The procedure is justifiable in 
terms of ethical, moral, environmental and technical 
considerations, and does not subject the body to violent or 
destructive handling. 

   "The method is based upon preserving the body in a 
biological form after death, while avoiding harmful embalming 
fluid. Then it can be returned to the ecological cycle in a 
dignified manner as a valuable contribution to the living 
earth," explains Susanne Wiigh-Masak, biologist and head of 
operations at Promessa Organic AB. 

   An important part of the solution is to remove that which 
is least important; the water that makes up 70 percent of a 
normal-sized body. Technically speaking, this is done using an 
entirely closed individual process in which the corpse is 
freeze-dried in liquid nitrogen. Within a week and a half 
after death, the corpse is frozen to minus 18 degrees Celsius 
and then submerged in liquid nitrogen. This makes the body 
very brittle, and vibration of a specific amplitude transforms 
it into an organic powder that is then introduced into a 
vacuum chamber where the water is evaporated away. 

   The now dry powder then passes through a metal separator 
where any surgical spare parts and mercury are removed. In a 
similar way, the powder can be disinfected if required. 

   The remains are now ready to be laid in a coffin made of 
corn starch. There is no hurry with the burial itself. The 
organic powder, which is hygienic and odorless, does not 
decompose when kept dry. The burial takes place in a shallow 
grave in living soil that turns the coffin and its contents 
into compost in about 6 months time. In conjunction with the 
burial and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased or 
next of kin, a bush or tree can be planted above the coffin. 
The compost formed can then be taken up by the plant, which 
can instill greater insight in and respect for the ecological 
cycle, of which every living thing is a part. The plant stands 
as a symbol of the person, and we understand where the body 
went. 

   "Our ecological burial reduces environmental impact on some 
of our most important resources; our water, air and soil," 
says Susanne Wiigh-Masak, biologist and head of Promessa 
Organic AB. 

   "At the same time it provides us with deeper insights 
regarding the ecological cycle, and greater understanding of 
and respect for life on earth." 

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