Human Composting Could Be a Traditional Burial Alternative as It Gains Traction in the US; How Does Natural Organic Reduction Work?
Human composting may become the future of American death as it has gained traction across several US states.
What Is Human Composting?
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, is a growing alternative to traditional burials. The method speeds up the human body's decomposition process. Though this decay process may typically take years, human composting can speed it up to a matter of weeks.
The process essentially involves placing the human body inside a vessel containing plant material, such as wood chips or alfalfa. This should be done at optimal temperatures and conditions to boost decomposition. When the process is complete, which usually takes around 45 days, the soil is tested to ensure it is high-quality and nutrient-dense before use.
Human composting has several benefits. Most notably, it reduces the environmental impact and is less costly than traditional burials.
Advocates think that human composting is a more eco-friendly deathcare approach that offers social benefits for individuals who mourn the loss of a loved one. However, the method has also sparked opposition from religious groups, who think that human composting goes against how bodies should be taken care of after death.
Human Composting Emerges in the US
The latest state to legalize human composting is Arizona. Katie Hobbs, the Democratic Governor, signed a bill allowing the process to become law in April. The bill was able to pass the state's legislature easily. It received the support of both the Republicans and Democrats.
Morgan Yarborough, a service manager from Recompose, explains that states that lean Democratic were the first to legalize the method. Nevertheless, there has been growing bipartisan support. Embracing "personal choice" has aided in bridging the gap.
Harley Morris, the head of Communications and Government Affairs from Earth Funeral, also shares being blown away by the passion of individuals regarding the issue. Morris that the bills are being brought up by individuals who reach out to local representatives and seek change.
Washington was the first US state to legalize human composting in 2019. Since then, seven other US states have followed suit: New York, California, Oregon, Colorado, Vermont, and Nevada.
Other US states, such as New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, are also considering bills to legalize the method. Delaware has seen the greatest progress in its procedures, as its bill passed the state's Senate last March.
While legalization is crucial to making the approach accessible to humans, other steps remain after a bill passes to bring the practice to a particular US state. Industry leaders must collaborate with the government, health departments, and cemetery or mortuary boards to adapt specific rules and regulations to the burial approach.
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