Human Composting, recently made legal, presents a novel and respectful death care alternative.
**Revolutionary Human Composting: A Sustainable End-of-Life Option Gains Traction**
In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, human composting has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. This innovative process, pioneered by companies like Recompose, transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil through a natural, controlled microbial process known as organic reduction.
The process involves covering the body with natural materials such as straw and wood chips, which facilitate microbial activity that breaks down the body safely and odorlessly, resulting in clean soil within a few weeks [1]. Companies like Recompose also offer families the opportunity to receive soil samples after completion for personal use [1].
Advancements in human composting methods include more precise composting conditions and containment methods, similar to innovations in broader composting technologies such as in-vessel systems that control decomposition environments more effectively [5]. These advancements ensure the process is efficient, hygienic, and environmentally friendly.
The legalization of human composting began with Washington state, which was the first to sign the practice into law, officially permitting it as a natural burial alternative [1]. Since then, several other states have followed suit, including California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, and Vermont [1]. The legalization process typically involves legislative efforts that define human composting as a legal disposition method, set safety and environmental standards, and regulate facilities offering the service.
The growing acceptance of human composting is part of a broader trend towards green funeral services, which also include methods like aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) [4]. This market is expanding rapidly due to consumers’ preference for eco-conscious burial options, with human composting recognised for its minimal environmental impact and contribution to soil regeneration [4].
Recompose, a funeral home that specialises in human composting, has played a significant role in this movement. Founded by Katrina Spade, the company has made human composting legal in several states and plans to open more funeral homes, including one in Denver [1][4]. Key members of the Recompose team include Katrina Spade, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, and Morgan Yarborough [1].
With Recompose, clients have a longer relationship with the company, often for a couple of months, as the body is kept in a vessel for over a month during the composting process [1]. This is different from traditional funeral homes, which often have a shorter timeline for handling the deceased [1].
Traditional burial methods, such as embalming and cremation, have negative environmental impacts. For instance, cremation causes approximately 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year [1]. In contrast, human composting offers a pollutant-free, sustainable solution that produces soil that can be used in gardens, forests, or other green spaces [1].
This demonstrates how human composting has evolved technologically while gaining legal permission in various jurisdictions to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional burial and cremation [1][4][5]. The advancements in this field have impressed people in the field of industrial composting [1]. As more states legalise human composting, it is expected that this eco-friendly burial option will continue to gain popularity.
References: [1] Recompose: https://recompose.co/ [2] Human Composting: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/human-composting-is-coming-to-washington-state/2019/04/11/30c05b3a-c11a-11e9-8d67-2a3763e7898e_story.html [3] Human Composting Legislation: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/31/us/human-composting-law-washington.html [4] Green Funeral Services: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2021/04/06/green-funeral-services-are-growing-in-popularity-and-investment/?sh=6546c3674c2e [5] In-Vessel Composting: https://www.epa.gov/waste/in-vessel-composting
- Recompose, a pioneering funeral home, is leading the push for human composting as a sustainable end-of-life option, with their services recently becoming legal in several states like Washington, California, and Oregon.
- The future of technology seems to intertwine with the science of environmental-science, as advancements in human composting closely mirror developments in more common composting technologies, such as in-vessel systems.
- In line with a growing preference for health-and-wellness and eco-conscious choices, the green funeral services market, including methods like human composting and aquamation, is expanding rapidly.
- The Gizmodo section of general-news may offer insightful articles on the latest developments in this transformative technology, providing readers with updates on Recompose and the legislative efforts in various states.
- With an increasing focus on lifestyle and sustainability, it's no surprise that finance is exploring options to invest in eco-friendly businesses like Recompose, as they strive to reduce their environmental footprint.
- The home-and-garden enthusiast might find the nutrient-rich soil produced by human composting, a viable alternative to store-bought fertilizers, perfect for nurturing flower beds and vegetable gardens.
- The education-and-self-development sector could also benefit from discussions surrounding human composting, as this novel approach to the business sphere may inspire creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship.
