The Heart of Sustainability: Small Changes, Big Impact
When people think about sustainability, we often picture large-scale initiatives such as solar farms, electric vehicles, massive tree-planting campaigns, and other BIG ideas. Yet, the truth is that meaningful change begins with small, individual choices. At Eternal Tides, we believe pet aftercare is one such opportunity to make a difference for our own community as well as the great big world of which we are a part.
Flame-based “traditional” cremation, while widely used, has a notable environmental impact. Data varies, but estimates range between 80-230 lbs of CO₂ are released into the atmosphere with each animal cremation; assuming 155 lbs of CO₂ per animal (average) coupled with the data-driven estimate of 8,000 annual deaths of dogs and cats in the Fargo-Moorhead area, that could result in 124,000 lbs of CO₂ emissions from pet cremation just in our region every year. On a national (US) level, more than 350,000 tons of CO₂ are emitted by the pet cremation industry in the United States (Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). These emissions add to the already significant carbon footprint of pet ownership.
Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, offers a more sustainable alternative. This water-based process uses gentle heat and natural alkaline compounds to return a pet to the earth, producing 90% fewer emissions than cremation and consuming minimal energy (Cremation Association of North America, 2023). By opting for aquamation, pet owners can take a small but powerful step toward protecting our planet.
The ripple effect of individual choices cannot be underestimated. When one family chooses aquamation, their story can inspire friends, family, and even their local community to consider this eco-friendly option. Stories of change are already making waves—families who embraced aquamation often express a sense of peace, knowing their choice aligned with their values of environmental stewardship.
Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Small changes, such as choosing aquamation, can collectively create a significant environmental impact. By embracing these alternatives, we honor not only our pets but also the earth they shared with us.
What small changes can you make today to contribute to a greener tomorrow?
References
Cremation Association of North America. (2023). Environmental Benefits of Alkaline Hydrolysis. Retrieved from https://www.cremationassociation.org
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Overview. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov
Ripple Effect. (2022). The Power of Individual Action in Sustainability Movements. Retrieved from https://www.rippleeffect.org
