Here are some highlights of the conversation:
‘AQUAMATION’ INSTEAD OF CREMATION?
Ang: “(Now) there is a lot of buzz over this green word called aquamation … Aquamation is actually alkaline hydrolysis. It uses water and strong chemicals, for example, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide … Some might say that (aquamation) is very green, you’re not burning more fuel for the cremation. But you’re also actually using energy for this process as well.”
‘HUMAN COMPOSTING’?
Ang: “Human composting is one way that you introduce … materials to accelerate the entire process (of decomposition). And this process requires energy as well. But it shortens the entire period to just a few months.”
Ang: “If (human composting) is something that people want, there must be more studies into this and to see how it can be implemented. But of course, in all decisions … there are also a lot of trade-offs.”
WILL GREEN FUNERALS TAKE OFF IN SINGAPORE?
Ang: “It goes back to demand and supply. Funeral directors generally provide what the family wants. When there’s higher demand, naturally, there will also be more products available … To have greater adoption, (green products have to) evolve in terms of technology and also how it’s being done.”
Ang: “The green adoption by people here (in Singapore) is not necessarily the young … We do have people who are senior, and they opt for (green funeral options) not because of the green movement, (but) just because (the deceased) enjoyed going to forests, hiking, and he just wants to do it that way.”
ADVICE ON PLANNING YOUR OWN FUNERAL?
Ang: “Pick something that represents your life … and how you want to be remembered. There is no right and wrong when it comes to funerals. No two funerals are the same.”
Ang: “I think it’s important to convey these wishes to the people that you love, and not just keep them to yourself, because you need someone to execute them on your behalf.”
Ang: “Because when you leave this world, I’m sure that everyone wants their loved ones to have a meaningful life after our departure.”
For the full conversation, listen to the podcast episode here: