Green Burial Options

Greener Goodbyes: Understanding Water Cremation and Human Composting in California

By San Diego Memorial Society

More families today are asking thoughtful, eco-conscious questions about end-of-life options. How can we leave a lighter footprint? What choices do we have beyond traditional cremation or burial? In California, two meaningful alternatives are gaining momentum: water cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis) and human composting (also called natural organic reduction).

At San Diego Memorial Society, we believe in transparency and informed choice. If you’re curious about new, sustainable methods for body disposition, this guide is for you.

What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation is a flameless process that uses water, heat, and a small amount of alkali (usually potassium hydroxide) to reduce the body to bone. The process mimics natural decomposition—only it happens in about 6–8 hours instead of months or years.

This method, formally called alkaline hydrolysis, is considered significantly more environmentally friendly than flame cremation. It emits far less carbon dioxide, uses no fossil fuels, and leaves behind no airborne pollutants like mercury or particulate matter. In fact, the U.S.-based environmental group Environmental Impact Assessment estimates that water cremation uses about one-eighth the energy of flame cremation.

After the process, the bone remains are processed into a fine white powder—just like flame cremation—and returned to the family in an urn.

Where Is It Available in San Diego?

As of now, only one machine is approved for use in San Diego County. Because water cremation requires specialized equipment, facilities offering it are still rare. However, the legal framework is already in place in California, and consumer demand is growing. Currently, only White Rose Aquamation in Escondido is doing the type of cremation.

San Diego Memorial Society works closely with cooperating mortuaries and cremation providers. We keep track of which licensed locations offer water cremation and refer members accordingly. If you’d like to be notified when additional providers become available, just let us know.

What Is Human Composting?

Human composting, or natural organic reduction (NOR), is the newest legal alternative to burial and cremation. The process places the body in a vessel filled with organic material like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. Over a period of 30 to 60 days, microbes naturally break down the body into rich, fertile soil.

This isn’t your backyard compost pile—it’s a carefully controlled process in a temperature-regulated environment. Oxygen, moisture, and carbon levels are monitored to ensure complete and respectful transformation.

The result? A cubic yard of clean, healthy soil—enough to fill the bed of a pickup truck. Families can choose to have the soil returned to them, used in conservation projects, or donated to land restoration efforts.

Human Composting Now Legal in California

California officially passed AB-351 in 2022, making human composting a legal form of disposition starting in 2027. This makes California the third state to legalize human composting, after Washington and Colorado. Other states, including New York, Oregon, and Vermont, have followed suit or are in the process of passing similar legislation.

Although legal implementation won’t be active until 2027, interest is high. Several green burial and environmentally focused funeral providers are already planning to offer this service as soon as it becomes available.

San Diego Memorial Society will be partnering with vetted, ethical providers to bring human composting to our members as soon as the infrastructure is in place. We’ll provide updates in our newsletters and blog as this unfolds.

Why Choose One of These Alternatives?

There are many reasons people are exploring these new options:

Environmental Impact: Traditional flame cremation releases approximately 534 pounds of CO₂ per body. Alkaline hydrolysis and composting generate a fraction of that.
Land Conservation: Composting avoids land use entirely, while water cremation leaves no remains to bury.
Spiritual Alignment: For many, returning to the earth naturally—through water or soil—feels more sacred and meaningful.
Community Legacy: The soil created from composting can help restore forests, nourish native plants, or enrich family gardens.

How Sweet Can the Ending Be?

These methods also allow for a gentler goodbye. In the case of water cremation, the gentle reduction of the body can feel more aligned with a family’s values. For human composting, the transformation into life-giving soil can bring a unique sense of peace.

At San Diego Memorial Society, we encourage families to consider these methods not only for their practical benefits but for their emotional and symbolic value.

What About Cost?

Currently, water cremation can be slightly more expensive than traditional cremation due to the cost of the specialized equipment. Human composting pricing is still evolving, but early indications show it may be on par with a standard cremation and memorial service—and potentially less than a full burial.

As always, San Diego Memorial Society works to negotiate affordable rates with trusted providers. Members benefit from pre-negotiated pricing, free consultations, and educational support as part of their one-time membership fee.

We Can Help You Plan Ahead

Our mission is to protect consumers, promote price transparency, and advocate for ethical end-of-life practices. As new alternatives like water cremation and human composting become more accessible, we are committed to offering guidance, education, and trusted referrals.

If you’re already a member and want to include eco-friendly options in your advance directive, we can help you do that. If you’re not yet a member, join today and receive lifetime benefits, including updates on these emerging services.

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family—and for the planet. With options like water cremation and human composting, you can make an end-of-life choice that aligns with your values, protects the environment, and leaves a living legacy.

San Diego Memorial Society is here to support you with honest information, helpful resources, and compassionate care every step of the way.

Join today. Call (858) 391-1267 or simply fill out our online application.