The human composting is gaining more and more attention as ecological and earth-friendly alternative for the treatment of human remains after death.
This process, which transforms the remains of the deceased into earthis emerging as a more sustainable solution than traditional cremation and burial, which carry negative environmental impacts. The practice is now legalized in 12 states of the States United and other jurisdictions are discussing similar laws.
Laura Muckenhoupt had her own experience with human composting after the death of her son Miles, a 22-year-old dancer. After Miles’ body was turned into earth through Earth Funeral Services, Laura and her family felt a special connection with him.
We will make it grow” – he recalled thinking during the long journey home – We will raise him and continue to be his parents, his sister and his friends.
Miles land was planted in various placesincluding Indonesia and Tuscany, e used to grow passion fruit trees in Portugal e ferns in Hawaii.
At home, part of the land was used to plant a rose bush in the garden. Laura argued:
Every time that rose bush blooms, you look at it with such anticipation. It’s such a gift, and it seems like a little visit from himand it’s gorgeous.
Human composting accelerates the natural decomposition process
Tom Harries, CEO of Earth Funeral, explained how human composting works, illustrating that accelerates the natural decomposition processusing a mixture of wood chips, mulch and wildflowers to create ideal conditions for microbes to break down the body.
The end result is nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening purposes or conservation projects. “This is their last act on Earth” Harries said, referring to Earth Funeral clients who choose this option. “They are thinking about children and future generations”.
Kimberly Cooley-Reyes, a gardening enthusiast, has already chosen human composting for her funeral. After the death of her best friend, who had a green burial, Kimberly found peace in the knowing that his body will become part of the earth. He stated:
It makes me feel immortal, frankly. This is the only house I have ever owned; It’s the happiest place I’ve ever livedso for me to be able to stay here is really special.
Is human composting allowed in Italy?
Currently, human composting is not allowed in Italy. This practice, also known as “terramination” or “natural organic reduction,” has been legalized in some US states, such as Washington, Oregon, Vermont and Colorado, and in Europe it is only legal in Sweden.
In Italy, however, the only legal funeral practices remain traditional burial and cremation. However, there are associations that are fighting to change the current legislation in favor of human composting, promoting this practice as an ecological and sustainable alternative to the traditional methods of treating human remains, also given the unsustainable environmental costs of cremation:
The (unsustainable) environmental cost of cremation in the new ISDE report
