The human compostingalso known as natural organic reductionrepresents a sustainable alternative to traditional funeral practices such as burial or cremation. Recently legalized in California, this technique is gaining popularity in the United States, with states such as Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Colorado already allowing it. In Europe, it is currently only legal in Sweden.
This practice responds to a growing ecological sensitivity. Cremation, despite being widespread, emits up to 400 kg of CO2 for each bodycontributing significantly to air pollution. Likewise, traditional burials consume precious resources such as wood and soil, without considering the use of non-biodegradable materials such as concrete.
How the human composting process works
The process of human composting, also known as terramationis a method that transforms the body into fertile soil in about 30 days. The body is placed in a sealed container, made of steel, along with organic materials such as wood chips, straw and flowers.
Once closed, the container is heated and the natural decomposition process is accelerated thanks to the action of bacteria and microbes. At the end of the first month, the mixture obtained it is left to dry for another two to six weeks. Any remaining bones are pulverized, while medical devices or prosthetics are removed.
The final soil can be used in many ways: by family members to plant trees or flowers in memory of the deceased, or donated for environmental conservation projects. This approach allows you to return nutrients to naturepromoting the growth of vegetation and contributing to the capture of atmospheric carbon.
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It is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
According to Katrina Spade, founder of Recompose, one of the first companies specializing in earthing, this practice is particularly relevant at a time when climate change, with extreme phenomena such as drought and fires, underlines the urgency of reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Human composting therefore offers a way to honor the memory of the deceased in harmony with the environment, transforming the end of life into a contribution to the natural cycle. Its growing acceptance reflects a new awareness of the need for more sustainable solutions, even in the delicate area of funeral practices.
