Human Composting
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction (NOR), is an innovative and environmentally friendly method of body disposition. This process converts human remains into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition.
This guide explores the legality, service providers, process, and reasons why people might choose human composting.
What is Human Composting?
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, is a process that transforms human remains into soil through accelerated natural decomposition.
This method mimics the natural breakdown of organic matter, resulting in nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish plants and restore ecosystems.
Where is Human Composting Legal?
- Washington: The first state to legalize human composting in 2019.
- Colorado: Legalized human composting in 2021.
- Oregon: Also legalized the process in 2021.
- Vermont: Passed legislation allowing human composting in 2022.
- California: Recently legalized human composting, with the law taking effect in 2027.
Providers of Human Composting Services
Several companies in the United States offer human composting services:
- Recompose: Based in Seattle, Washington, Recompose was the first company to provide human composting services. Their facility offers a respectful and sustainable option for body disposition.
Website: Recompose
- Return Home: Located in Auburn, Washington, Return Home offers natural organic reduction services and aims to normalize composting as an end-of-life choice.
Website: Return Home
- Earth: A company in the Pacific Northwest that provides human composting services, focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Website: Earth Funeral
Providers of Human Composting Services
Several companies in the United States offer human composting services:
- Recompose: Based in Seattle, Washington, Recompose was the first company to provide human composting services. Their facility offers a respectful and sustainable option for body disposition.
Website: Recompose
- Return Home: Located in Auburn, Washington, Return Home offers natural organic reduction services and aims to normalize composting as an end-of-life choice.
Website: Return Home
- Earth: A company in the Pacific Northwest that provides human composting services, focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Website: Earth Funeral
How Does Human Composting Work?
The process of human composting involves several steps:
Preparation
The body is placed in a reusable vessel along with organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and alfalfa.
Decomposition
Over a period of about 30 days, the body naturally decomposes into soil. This process is facilitated by controlled conditions of moisture, temperature, and aeration, which promote microbial activity.
Transformation
After the initial decomposition, the remains are screened for non-organic materials, and the resulting soil is cured for several weeks to ensure complete transformation.
Final Product
The end product is a nutrient-rich soil that can be returned to the family or used in conservation efforts, such as reforestation or land restoration.
Why Choose Human Composting?
There are several compelling reasons why individuals might choose human composting:
- Environmental Benefits: Human composting has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional burial and cremation. It avoids the use of embalming chemicals, reduces carbon emissions, and returns nutrients to the earth.
- Sustainability: This method supports sustainable land use and can help restore depleted soils, making it a positive choice for the environment.
- Personal and Ethical Beliefs: Many people choose human composting because it aligns with their values of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Legacy and Contribution: Human composting allows individuals to leave a positive legacy by contributing to the health of the planet.
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, is a groundbreaking and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation.
Legal in a growing number of states and offered by several innovative companies, this method provides a sustainable way to return to the earth.
By understanding the process and its benefits, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their values and contribute to a healthier planet.
Why Choose Human Composting?
There are several compelling reasons why individuals might choose human composting:
- Environmental Benefits: Human composting has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional burial and cremation. It avoids the use of embalming chemicals, reduces carbon emissions, and returns nutrients to the earth.
- Sustainability: This method supports sustainable land use and can help restore depleted soils, making it a positive choice for the environment.
- Personal and Ethical Beliefs: Many people choose human composting because it aligns with their values of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Legacy and Contribution: Human composting allows individuals to leave a positive legacy by contributing to the health of the planet.
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, is a groundbreaking and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation.
Legal in a growing number of states and offered by several innovative companies, this method provides a sustainable way to return to the earth.
By understanding the process and its benefits, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their values and contribute to a healthier planet.