Washington is about to be the first state to allow the eco-friendly composting of human bodies.
Current funerary practices are environmentally harmful and, for some, psychologically unsatisfying. The current practices are part historical convention and part funeral industry mandate. Each year, 2.7 million people die in the U.S., and most are buried in a conventional cemetery or cremated, emitting carbon dioxide and particulates into the atmosphere. These practices consume valuable urban land, pollute the air and soil, and contribute to climate change.
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By converting human remains into soil, we minimize waste, avoid polluting groundwater with embalming fluid, and prevent the emissions of CO2 from cremation and from the manufacturing of caskets, headstones, and grave liners.
By allowing organic processes to transform our bodies and those of our loved ones into a useful soil amendment, we help to strengthen our relationship to the natural cycles while enriching the earth.
—Recompose
I would look into the details first, but I would be willing to be converted into a cubic yard of good soil. One 90-year-old wrote supporting it saying please hurry, she didn’t have much time left.
There are hurdles for the company of course, and as this article points out,
It’s a lovely idea for the dead to be returned to the land. But are the living ready for that?
Do you have any feelings on the subject?
May 2, 2019
I think it was President Eisenhower that was not embalmed. he requested to be buried in a simple wooden box. knowing my memory now days I am pretty sure it was Eisenhower! anyway…
I wouldn’t have an objection to that. but as with everything else that is a money making industry in this country (and growing as such around the world!) I can’t seem them courting this idea. they make too much money the other ways. we even have one funeral home that specializes in ‘THEME funerals’!!! like it’s a reality show or something. it’s kind of ridiculous.
We went to the Eisenhower Center in Abilene, Kansas once and were touched. He’s buried there with Mamie and the son who died as a baby. Apparently “Dwight requested that he be buried in an $80 Government Issue casket. The only difference between his casket and that furnished for any soldier buried by the Army is an inner glass seal that cost an extra $115. It was lined with tailored eggshell crepe.”
I’m so glad we went here because it was so simple and peaceful. Quite a difference between that and the Clinton library and museum in Little Rock!
About the funeral industry — yep, unfortunately that’s how part of the human race evolved — nature doesn’t share our values. No romanticizing of nature here. 😀
I’ve not heard of composting, which I am totally not sure about…. But here in Virginia I have read about what is called ” Eco-Eternity memorial forests. They are environmentally friendly burial grounds for cremated remains in which a tree is planted as your memorial instead of a headstone. They also allow for the ashes of your pets to be scattered near and around the tree.
Another so called “green xemetery” here in Virginia, people (embalmed with natural fluids or not at all) are buried in bio-degradable wooden caskets or wrapped in a simple cloth shroud.
I personally think they are options to consider given the cost of a funeral, and wanting to be environmentally friendly.
Your list sounds more appealing, and I’m glad people are thinking of greener options for us.
We pretty much decided on cremation quite some time ago. I only recently heard of the “new” composting of human remains. I doubt that we’ll see it here in Arkansas in our lifetime.
We plan to get cremated, and like you there’s not much chance more green options will be around here in our lifetime. Plus cremation should be a lot easier for Kaitlin, that’s a big consideration.
I hadn’t heard about Kim’s comments in Virginia. that’s pretty cool.
I am also going to be cremated. I bought two plots when Bob died. we both had decided on cremation but his mother wouldn’t hear of it. so he’s buried there. I have left verbal and written instructions that I want NO funeral or any other kind of service. and Michael has agreed. as you say… “easier” for everyone I think.
I don’t see the advantages over cremation and lots of room for abuse and disrespect of our loved one’s remains before they compost.
I’m not sure the process of cremation is that much more respectful, but it’s easier for the survivors, I think.
Not quite sure how I feel about this idea.
It’s probably not an option, but I thought it was interesting. Apparently some funeral directors are expecting big changes in their field: http://funeraldirectordaily.com/are-you-ready-for-ecolation/
I like this idea. We’ll probably have to opt for cremation, as we will die in MD and be buried in OH. I definitely don’t like the options we have now. I hate the idea of leaving a carbon footprint when I die.
Here’s another potential option: http://funeraldirectordaily.com/are-you-ready-for-ecolation/ That would be easier than the Recompose for our survivors.