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Burial, cremation, aquamation: your burial options explained

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The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s coffin was inexpensive and he chose to be aquamated, an eco-friendly cremation. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/ Getty Images)
The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s coffin was inexpensive and he chose to be aquamated, an eco-friendly cremation. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/ Getty Images)

When he passed away late last year, Archbishop Desmond Tutu left instructions for a simple, no-frills funeral service. The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who was known for his humility and service to humanity, requested the cheapest coffin available and said he wanted to be aquamated.

It was a term not many had heard of before and the Arch, who was a champion for the environment, would have been pleased to know that many people wanted to know more about the greener alternative to burial. 

Experts say aquamation is a great option because cremation isn’t as environmentally friendly – and another problem is we’re running out of space ?in cemeteries for burials. 

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