Few aspects of our lives are so diverse yet again so similar across cultures as the way we say goodbye to our beloved ones. No matter how universal or how grounded in tradition, not even this aspect or moment in our lives is immune to the creative forces of reinvention.

A few weeks ago, funeral directors in Flanders (B) asked the legislative powers to allow for resomation , “a water and alkali-based process that turns bodies into a mix of liquid and minerals. Resomation uses less energy than cremation and emits significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions.” (read more)

While environmentally friendly coffins have been around for a while now (see also Citelli & Bretzel’s Capsula Mundi), complete sustainable funeral services are popping up as well (e.g. Groene Uitvaart). Yet sustainability is not the only buzz finding resonance in the way we deal with the ends of our lives. In their “Afterlife” project, designers Jimmy Loizeau and James Auger elaborated upon the idea of a microbial fuelcell powered by the decomposition of the body of the deceased. To what purpose would we want to put life’s last remaining energy of our beloved ones?

Back in 2006, Eindhoven’s Design Academy showcased fascinating student work under the heading ‘post mortem – rituals surrounding death and funerals’ at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. While much attention goes to objects, a more interesting question is as to how rituals might change over time. For example: suppose we do get to the point where people can download their brain to a computing entity – whether hard- or wetware – , what would the ceremony be like? Or how much poetry can be brought to cryonic procedures?

PS: also check out some of Nadine Jarvis‘ inspiring work.

Image courtesy of Nadine Jarvis. Bird feeder is made out of beeswax, ashes of the deceased and birdfood.