Advice from Germany's sole professor on end-of-life matters. - Coffin or urn: "Effortlessly decay in serenity"
"According to Professor Scheule, life involves learning how to die. As you ponder about your future, it's wise to remember that time is limited. What matters in terms of importance?"
Is Professor Tod afraid of death?
"I'm not feeling too comfortable with the thought of my upcoming demise. However, I'm thankful for the experiences I've had thus far. I have children, and I'm thriving professionally."
Incineration: Environmental Catastrophe
Professor Scheule has strong opinions on the appropriate method of burial. Cremation is now the most common practice, but Scheule doesn't hold it in high regard ecologically speaking.
"Crematoriums consume a large amount of electricity and gas to maintain the high temperatures needed for burning a body - 900 degrees for one to two hours per person," he explains. The carbon footprint is quite poor.
"Burning proteins generates toxic furans, dioxin, and lots of particulate matter. Despite the toxins being filtered out, they become hazardous waste stored in blue containers. All that's left behind in the urn is calcium."
The Skeleton Fractures During "Reburial"
A relatively new method is known as "reburial," where the naked body is composted in an aluminum container (this has only been done in Schleswig-Holstein). Scheule is also critical of this procedure.
"Your body is shaken around in the container for 40 to 50 days. However, there's a study from the University of Leipzig that found a complete skeleton with the skull might still remain. The relatives must understand that someone will have to break it apart again, using a tool or a hammer."
"I'd Like My Body To Decompose Naturally"
Conventional burial? Decomposition is not a pleasant concept for many due to the involvement of worms, according to the expert. Scheule: "However, my current preference is being buried in the ground."
Why? "I'm partial to a system where I can give control over a process after death and not rely on technology. My body should be allowed to decompose in peace."
Read also:
- The 15-year-old murderer admits to fatally shooting Francesco, who was 14.
- Schalke's pressure has affected Terodde.
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
Source: symclub.org
