Centennial Park has partnered with Living Legacy to detoxify human ashes and infused into plant roots
Did you know the spreading of human ashes does as much damage to the environment as bleach? But one SA cemetery is offering a new cleaner alternative to allow loved ones to grow with nature after death.
SA News
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The state’s biggest cemetery, Centennial Park, is offering a new environmentally-friendly and cleaner alternative to scattering the remains of loved ones by detoxifying the ashes.
In a first for South Australia, the cemetery has partnered with Living Legacy to offer a unique living memorial, which balances the pH of ashes so they can infused into garden beds.
Living Legacy founder Warren Roberts said most people were unaware the spreading of human ashes was damaging to plant and soil health.
“Traditionally, people scatter ashes in nature and waterways, not realising the harm caused by the high alkaline levels which are similar to bleach,” Mr Roberts said.
“Through our unique scientific treatment process, we gradually detoxify and transform harmful ashes into micronutrients which are infused into the roots so it can sustain and perpetuate life through flowers, plants and trees.”
Mr Roberts said the new Living Legacy Forever Flower Garden at the cemetery allowed a person’s life to be perpetuated through nature.
The memorial option was part of Centennial Park’s environmental sustainability plan, released in August, which recognised increased demand for sustainable end-of-life choices.
Already 50 people have registered interest in the memorial option, before the option had even become available, the park’s chief executive, Janet Miller, said.
“We recognise there is generational shift towards sustainable end-of-life choices, and as part of our own environmental sustainability goals, we want to accommodate the wishes of individuals and their loved ones now and into the future,” she said.
“This new offering is one example of the many commitments we are exploring as part of our five-year road map to achieve long-term impact and build upon our already strong history of environmental action to date.”
The park has reduced carbon emission by 48 per cent since 2008 and reduced landfill waste from 200 tonnes a year in 2013 to seven tonnes a year in 2023.
The first Forever Flower Garden – to incorporate a mix of perennial flowers to be regenerated seasonally – has 100 positions available.
The cost was $9500 for perpetual interment right, flower bed position, ash treatment, memorial plaque and ash placement ceremony.
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